A severely disabled teenager from Essex met members of the Royal family as part of a “unique and memorable” experience on board a vintage train.
Amy Brown, 13, from Bulmer, a village near Sudbury, was one of three youngsters and their families supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) who were invited to attend an event at Paddington Station in London on Monday.
Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke with members of the organisations that make up The Charities Forum.
Amy suffers with multiple conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual impairments, scoliosis and thermal dysfunction, which require her to have round the clock care.
Accompanied by parents Amanda and Richard and 10-year-old brother Guy, Amy met Kate and Harry.
Mrs Brown said: “Amy was smiling away, especially when Prince Harry was talking to her.”
Kate asked Mrs Brown about her daughter’s interests, how old she is and how long she had been looked after by EACH.
The family plan to make a scrapbook compiling all their memories of the day, Mrs Brown said.
Amy has been with EACH for eight years and the charity provides her with support at home as well as respite care at the hospice.
Describing what the charity means to the family, Mrs Brown said: “It’s like a big support network really.
“They are always there on the end of the phone if we have got a problem.
“It’s how they adjust to how Amy is on the day. When she has really bad days with seizures she needs to have a relaxed day and on other days she is more bright and alert. They are really good at knowing Amy and what her needs are for the day.”
Two members of staff from EACH also attended the event organised for The Charities Forum, which is a collection of charities backed by the trio.
One of those was Nathan Muskett, service manager at the Treehouse hospice in Ipswich, which was opened in 2012 by Kate, EACH’s Royal Patron.
Mr Muskett said: “It really was a unique and memorable day for all those involved.”
The three Royals guests also met with cast and crew from the forthcoming film Paddington 2.
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