Duchess of Cambridge thanks hospices for their ‘incredible work’

The Duchess of Cambridge has praised children’s hospices for bringing ‘joy, fun and play’ to seriously ill children.

Kate, in a message to mark Children’s Hospice Week, said that, as well as providing vital expert care, the UK’s 54 children’s hospices help families ‘make the most of their lives together, no matter how short’.

The duchess, who has been royal patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for 10 years, thanked the hospices for their ‘incredible work’ and for guiding people through the ‘toughest of times’.

Children’s Hospice Week, from June 20-26, is organised by Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for seriously ill children and families, and is the only week dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the services across the country.

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The Duchess of Cambridge talks with Sonny Saunders (seated left), his father, Jordan, and sister Star (right), during a 2020 visit to The Nook in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, which is one of the three East Anglia Children’s Hospices

The Duchess of Cambridge meets patients and their families during a 2019 visit to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ new hospice The Nook in Framingham Earl, Norfolk

Kate said: ‘For any parent, coming to terms with the news your child has a life-threatening condition and may die young is heart-breaking and incredibly frightening.

‘Families can often feel isolated, but having the support of a children’s hospice means they don’t have to face that future alone.

‘Every day, the UK’s 54 children’s hospices are a vital lifeline for families caring for a seriously ill child, and over the last 10 years I have been privileged to see first-hand the incredible work they do.’

The Duchess of Cambridge pictured on June 16 as she hosted a round-table discussion on the importance of early childhood development and its links to mental health with senior government ministers

The Duchess listened attentively as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid spoke during the roundtable last week

She added: ‘This year, the theme for Children’s Hospice Week is ‘For the Children’, reminding us all that as well as providing expert care, children’s hospices bring joy, fun and play to brighten each day and help families make the most of their lives together, no matter how short. 

‘This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the extraordinary work they do and thank them for the life-changing care and support they provide to children and families going through the toughest of times.’

Andy Fletcher, chief executive of Together for Short Lives, said: ‘As the duchess says, hearing the news that your child will die young is heart-breaking, and families often tell us they feel isolated and alone, and just don’t know where to turn to for support.

‘That’s why children’s hospices are so vital. Everything they do is ‘For The Children’, helping families make the most of every moment, whether that’s for years, months or only days.’