THE tragic death this week of Ivan Cameron, son of Conservative Party leader David Cameron, has brought into focus the need and role for of children’s hospices in London. Children’s hospices are relatively new in the capital, the first being Richard House at Beckton in East London which opened its doors less than nine years ago
THE tragic death this week of Ivan Cameron, son of Conservative Party leader David Cameron, has brought into focus the need and role for of children’s hospices in London.
Children’s hospices are relatively new in the capital, the first being Richard House at Beckton in East London which opened its doors less than nine years ago. It has 200 youngsters on its books, but many more could use their help.
“The problem is not enough people know we’re here,” said its chief executive Peter Ellis
“We support children who have life-threatening and complex health-care conditions and also help their families cope by creating positive memories for the future.”
SERVICE CRITICAL
Richard House is in Newham, one of Britain’s two most deprived boroughs with neighbouring Tower Hamlets.
“That makes our services even more critical for the families we serve,” Peter added. “Our mere existence depends on the goodwill and generosity of the community.”
The catchment area takes in East London and Essex, as well as south-east, north and central London.
But it needs �1.8 million donations a year just to stay open. An appeal continues this week on the Richard House website and phoneline: 020-7511 0222.
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