Children captured making a splash, painting and eating cake are at the focus of a series of photographs taken to preserve happy memories made at a Suffolk hospice.
Photographer Andrew Kahumbu visited The Treehouse in Ipswich where he met four-year-old Henry Barnard, 10-year-old Lewis and Euan Morley, also ten, and caught a glimpse of the activities enjoyed by patients at the hospice and their families.
Around 120 children with life threatening conditions are currently being cared for at the centre – and Mr Kahumbu said it was a humbling experience to witness the work of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteers first-hand.
His photographs were taken during an activity day, which saw families create artwork, learn to play musical instruments and relax during hydrotherapy sessions in the hospice pool.
Mr Kahumbu said: “I didn’t realise how much fantastic work they are doing until I had the chance to go down and see for myself.
“It was a really eye-opening experience for me, and I guess for other people who don’t have a child with a disability.
“To see what they do with the families is really amazing — I felt quite humbled by it.”
The photographer, who usually takes family and wedding portraits for his business Andrew Kahumbu Photography, had been introduced to the charity after he shared some images taken at EACH’s recent Colour Dash in Norwich. He offered his services for free to support the charity.
Nathan Muskett is service manager at The Treehouse. He said: “It was great to have Andrew visit The Treehouse and I know Lewis, Henry, Euan and their families have really enjoyed looking at the photos.
“There are so many fantastic shots and they really show how our hospices aren’t just about end of life care, but are often very happy and fun places where young people can live life to their full potential and where families can spend quality time together, enabling parents to be parents rather than caregivers.
“Currently at The Treehouse we provide care for 120 children with life-threatening conditions from Suffolk and east Essex and provide support for a further 120 family members.
He added: “Regionally, more than 800 people are benefiting from EACH services.”
Visit here for more details about EACH.
Visit here to see more examples of Mr Kahumbu’s work.
Fundraising
Hospice chiefs have released their fundraising programme for the rest of the year as bosses step up efforts to meet an annual fundraising goal of just over £5million.
EACH’s Ride for Life will see hundreds of people ride around 65 miles on one leg of the charity’s cycling challenge from September 29 to October 1. Participants from Colchester and Suffolk are being urged to sign up for the Jail and Bail event at Ipswich Crown Court, where they are being invited to get locked up for a good cause on October 10.
Six days later a special Golf Day with Ipswich Town legends Russell Osman and Terry Butcher will challenge guests with an 18-hole game at Hintlesham Golf Club.
Glow Walks encourages people to get the family together for a mystical Halloween walk in Felixstowe at the Leisure Centre and Stowmarket at Great Finborough School, and are both taking place on October 28.
Griff Rhys Jones will host a night of laughter at Ufford Park Hotel the next day.
Visit each.org.uk/support-us/events-diary for details.
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