Children’s hospices have been hailed by the Duchess of Cambridge for providing ‘joy, fun, and play’ to very ill children.
Kate said in a message to celebrate Children’s Hospice Week that the UK’s 54 children’s hospices help families ‘make the most of their lives together, no matter how short’.
The duchess, who has served as royal patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for the past ten years, commended the hospices for their “incredible work” and for guiding people through “toughest times.”
Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for seriously ill children and families, is hosting Children’s Hospice Week from June 20 to 26. It is the only week dedicated to raising cash and awareness for hospice services across the country.
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.’
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.’