Simon Cowell, Patron of Together for Short Lives, visited Haven House Children’s Hospice this week (20 May) ahead of Children’s Hospice Week this coming June. After a tour of the hospice, Simon spent time with children and families, who rely on the hospice for much needed care and support.
Simon Cowell said;
“This week I visited Haven House and met some amazing families and amazing kids. It’s always great to see so many smiles which is a credit to the wonderful staff and I applaud them for all the amazing work that they do. Knowing Together for Short Lives has changed my life and I would urge everyone to please support Children’s Hospice Week.”
Simon was keen to take part in the music therapy session – a creative and fun way for children to express their emotions – before chatting with children and families over tea and cakes in the garden. No stranger to the cameras, Simon posed with families for their souvenir selfies – a lasting memento of an unforgettable afternoon.
Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives said;
“Simon’s profile makes all the difference in helping the public to understand the needs of the UK’s 49,000 children with life limiting conditions and their families, and the important support provided by a range of services, including children’s hospices. And, what’s more, Simon brings a true connection and heartfelt warmth to the work that he does with us. The children and families just love meeting him.”
Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House Children’s Hospice said;
“Having someone as well known as Simon visit the hospice is a real morale booster for everyone here. For a small, local hospice, we get some great celebrity support, which really helps to promote our work in the local community and beyond.’ He added, ‘A big thank you to Simon and Together for Short lives for making this happen.”
Meeting Simon was a brilliant experience for all of us. He was really charming and approachable and spent time talking to us and finding out about our children
Tracey from Hainault, whose daughter Ashley, uses Haven House Children’s Hospice
Simon Cowell’s visit came just three weeks before Children’s Hospice Week (13 – 20 June), the UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children’s hospice services. This year’s theme, We Care 24/7, celebrates the incredible round-the-clock care provided to seriously ill children by families, professionals, children’s hospices and services across the UK. The week is run by Together for Short Lives, the UK children’s palliative care charity.
Want to get involved? Visit Children’s Hospice Week for more information.