Yesterday, on Thursday 25 October, Demelza Children’s Hospice in Kent had a very special visit from our Ambassador – the world-class Magician, and Britain’s Got Talent winner – Lance Corporal Richard Jones.
Richard spent the afternoon meeting seriously ill children, young people and families who regularly visit the hospice and got to see first-hand the lifeline support the hospice offers to these children across Kent. During his visit, Richard also wowed the children and their families with some amazing illusions and tricks.
Demelza Children’s Hospice support children and families all over Kent, South London and East Sussex, like Hallie (7) who has osteopetrosis; a rare and life-limiting genetic condition that can result in bone fractures, restricted height, frequent infections, sight loss and hearing impairment.
The respite care Hallie receives at Demelza is a lifeline to her family, including her big brother and little sister. Mum Megan says: “We can’t leave Hallie with anyone else. Her grandparents love being with her but her medical needs are too much for them and they would be scared to be in charge. To take her somewhere where the care team know exactly what they are doing means we can relax.”
This is Richard’s first visit to a children’s hospice since he became an Ambassador for Together for Short Lives earlier this year.
Richard said: “It’s been so amazing to meet all the children and families and the wonderful team here at Demelza. What they do here is magic. Seeing all the smiles has been a highlight for me and I am so proud to be an Ambassador for Together for Short Lives.”
