The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has shared a personal video message to mark the beginning of Children’s Hospice Week.
The Duchess, Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), recorded the message on a visit to meet children and families at EACH at Quidenham, in January.
In the message The Duchess asks everyone to join her this Children’s Hospice Week, to celebrate and shine a light on the extraordinary children’s palliative care and hospice services that are there for the UK’s 49,000 children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
In the video message she says: “For any parent, being told that your child may have a life-limiting condition, or may die young, will be one of the most difficult and isolating experiences you can face.
“Having someone to help you come to terms with this news, and the professional support and care that comes with this, can make an enormous difference. It can help families make the most of every precious moment they have together.
“As Patron of EACH I have seen the incredible difference that children’s hospice and palliative care services can make for children, young people and their families.
“Across the UK more than 49,000 children and young people have life-limiting conditions. For these families, having expert care and support is vital, and this is what children’s hospices provide. They deliver first-class care in a safe environment that feels as close to home as possible, full of colour, warmth, love and support.
“Today as we mark the beginning of Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in shining a light on the dedicated and inspirational staff and volunteers, and the lifeline services they provide for children and their families. The work they do is extraordinary, and it really does make a world of difference.”
The video soundtrack is Lego House, by EACH Ambassador Ed Sheeran.
Graham Butland, EACH Chief Executive said: “We are extremely honoured Her Royal Highness has taken the time to record a message of support, not only for EACH but for all children’s hospices across the UK.”
Children’s Hospice Week is organised by the UK children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives.
As well as highlighting the difference EACH makes through the care and support it provides, this year the charity is asking the public to ‘Make EACH Day Count’ for the 450 families it currently supports. Companies, schools, individuals and groups are invited to join in during Children’s Hospice Week with a variety of fundraising themes, one for each day of the week.
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