Green fingered gardeners grab gongs for children’s hospice

THE Richard House children’s hospice in East London has had a bloomin’ success’ for its large garden in a prestigious gardening awards. It has won the large garden’ category and scooped up a bronze in the small garden’ section in the London Gardens’ Society awards at Guild Hall

THE children's hospice in East London has had a 'bloomin' success' for its large garden in a prestigious gardening awards.

The Richard House hospice at Beckton won the 'large garden' category and scooped up a bronze in the 'small garden' section in the London Gardens' Society awards at the Guild Hall in the City.

Richard House chief executive Peter Ellis said: "We have to make the most of the space we have, being in an inner-city area. But we're fortunate enough to still have a small wooded area that the children can explore."

The youngsters learn to make the most of the garden, growing their own and reaping the fruit and vegetables that they plant.

The hospice offers day care, short residential stays and support in the home as well as family support and bereavement services. There is always a bed set aside for emergency and 'end of life' care.

Care is provided free to children and their families. But Richard House needs �3 million to provide these services.