Together for Short Lives is delighted to share that The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Cambridge have hosted a joint video call with three of their respective children’s hospice Patronages to mark Children’s Hospice Week. Their Royal Highnesses wanted to thank all those involved in and supporting children’s hospices across the UK during this critical time.
Their Royal Highnesses were joined by: Eddie Farwell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Children’s Hospice South West, of which The Duchess of Cornwall is Patron; Clare Periton, Chief Executive of Helen & Douglas House, of which The Duchess of Cornwall is Patron; and The Delf Family, a recently bereaved family whose son received end-of-life care at East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH), of which The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron.
During the call, Their Royal Highnesses discussed the comprehensive care that hospice staff provide, and the way that children’s hospices are able to create positive environments and happy memories during the most difficult of times.
The Chief Executives of Children’s Hospice South West and Helen & Douglas House talked about how the coronavirus pandemic has forced children’s hospices to be a “agile” and adapt to ensure they still meet the changing needs of families, many of whom are shielding at home and will continue to do so for some time.
The Delf family, who sadly lost their 9 year old son Fraser earlier this year, shared their recent experience of EACH. They discussed how they have faced lockdown as a recently bereaved family and the importance of connecting with loved ones. Fraser’s brother, 13 year old Stuie, has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to run 5km every day in May and has since raised £15,000 for the hospice.
The Duchess of Cornwall, commending the work of children’s hospices at this difficult time said:
We’d like to thank everybody that works for hospices across the UK for the incredible job you do and allowing families to treasure their moments together.
The Duchess of Cornwall
Speaking about the nurses and carers that look after children in hospices, The Duchess of Cornwall described them as “the most wonderful people” that “inspire happiness.
The Duchess of Cambridge called the work of children’s hospices “extraordinary.”
It’s a credit to the staff that they can provide the environment, the nurturing space for those families to help them go through long or short term care. It’s really awe-inspiring
The Duchess of Cambridge
You can read Stuie Delf’s story here, and find out how he was inspired by Captain Tom Moore to run 5km every day in May in memory of his brother Fraser and has since raised £15,000 for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.