The hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers and supporters of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices has been recognised in a letter from the charity’s patron, the Duchess of Cambridge.
The hand-signed note, in which the Duchess describes those involved with the organisation as generous and dedicated, has reflected on her involvement with the charity over the last 12 months.
It has been published in EACH’s annual report and accounts for 2012-2013 and officials said they were delighted to receive it.
Graham Butland, EACH chief executive, said: “We’re delighted Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, in her role as EACH Royal Patron, has taken the opportunity to reflect upon her involvement with EACH over the past year.
“Staff, volunteers and supporters feel incredibly proud to have been celebrated and thanked in the letter and this is testament to their continued hard work and generosity.
“The relationship between EACH and The Duchess of Cambridge has proven to be greatly beneficial – helping to raise awareness and understanding of our organisation as well as children’s hospices across the UK and further afield.”
Since taking on her role as patron, the Duchess has visited a hospice in Kuala Lumpur and has also learnt more about the delivery of children’s palliative care services in Malaysia.
Her letter added: “In my first year as Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices I have felt truly honoured to be a part of this organisation. Witnessing their transformational work and meeting those whose lives are changed by EACH has been inspiring and humbling in equal measure.”
Meanwhile, with the recent christening of the Duke and Duchess’s child, Prince George, EACH is now releasing a charity Christmas card which was originally created and sent to the couple by a child receiving care from the organisation.
Gabrielle Spray, EACH head of retail, said: “The painting on the card to celebrate Prince George’s birth was so lovely that our marketing and communications team were inspired to use it on a new Christmas card this year. We’re delighted with the result and confident we’ll sell many of them online, in our shops and at events.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here