In The Spotlight…
Richard House Children’s Hospice
Hospice Aid UK were invited to Richard House Children’s Hospice in April, following their request for £2,607 to complete the conversion of a bathroom into a 5th bedroom in their residential unit.
Richard House provides help to over 300 families with children who have life limiting illnesses.
As I drove along the busy M25 and then into the bustling docks of East London, I turned into the road leading to the Hospice and there in front of me was a beautiful oasis which is Richard House Hospice for Children.
In the middle of East London, the peaceful and tranquil area is perfect – no sirens, no air traffic, no cars, just peacefulness.
Myself & Jo Gratze, CEO of Hospice AID UK, were given a very warm welcome by Sam Armour, Head of Trust & Project Management for Richard House.
We had arrived on a day when the Children were out on a day trip, but nonetheless the hospice has a wonderful feel about it. Bright, cheerful and a truly lovely place to be. Firstly, we were shown the room where families can play with their children and spend time with them during visits. Full of activities for all ages and toys that accommodate visiting siblings too.
We then walked around into the outside area which is currently being refurbished with swings, slides and climbing frames plus a new activity area which, when completed, will be the perfect outdoor space for all to enjoy.
A little further and we arrived at the Sensory room. Here is Henry, a little boy who loves coming to the sensory room.
We then went to have a look at the completed 5th bedroom. It is beautifully decorated and has everything to hand that is needed to give the best possible care.
We were then shown the bereavement room which brought us back down to ground a little. It is a beautiful room in which parents can spend time with their child when they have passed away. Parents can then have a pebble with their child’s name on it which rests in the memorial garden.
Every year Richard House holds a memorial service for parents to come to and remember their child.
The passion shown by Sam and the thoughtfulness going into the care and services the Hospice provides is fabulous. The support is not just for the children, it is for the parents too. Just giving the parents a day of support means the world to some. Plus, ongoing support after their child has passed away for as long as the parents need it.
A truly amazing and wonderful place.
You can read more about Richard House here:
www.richardhouse.org.uk
Hospice care and their services are free of charge, just like the NHS, but sadly the government only funds around 30% of the 3.5 million pounds needed to run a hospice. So, fundraising is an essential part of running any Hospice. We at Hospice AID UK aim to take a little of the pressure off and provide funding for any Hospice who applies to us for a Grant.
