Kate reveals hopes to make ‘every moment matter’ with her children in touching letter
The national awareness week, which runs from today until Sunday, is organised by the UK umbrella charity for children’s palliative care Together for Short Lives. This year’s theme is ‘Moments that Matter’, and it is hoped showcasing important moments that have an impact on children’s lives with life-threatening conditions, and their families, will challenge the misconception that children’s hospices are places that should be feared. Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, became the patron for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in 2012 and her new letter is the latest in a series of messages she has released since working with the charity.
The Duchess said: “Children’s hospices provide vital sanctuaries for those experiencing the very toughest of times.
“They help families and carers build lifelong memories that are poignant, happy and often filled with laughter.
“Whether through specialist play aimed at deepening relationships between children and their families, or through art and music therapy that helps young people express themselves and release their thoughts and feelings – the work of organisations like the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices can set e truly heartwarming example to us all.
“They provide a lifeline to children and families for however long support is needed and I hope that others join me in thanking them as we shine a light on their work during Children’s Hospice Week.
I hope they will inspire each and every one of us to similarly make the most of the time we have with our own families, by ensuring every moment matters and that we create memories that last forever
Kate Middleton
“The theme this year is ‘Moments that Matter’. It aims to make the most of the very precious time that those using hospice services have.
“Throughout the week we will hear amazing stories from families facing the toughest of futures.
“I hope they will inspire each and every one of us to similarly make the most of the time we have with our own families, by ensuring every moment matters and that we create memories that last forever.”
EACH chief executive, Graham Butland, praised Kate for her charity work, and added the idea of hospices being “sad and dark places” is untrue.
He said: “We know and the families we’ve supported know just how much of a positive difference children’s hospices can make, providing truly memorable moments of fun and inspiration, but there’s still a clear gap in the knowledge of many others.
“We often hear from families how they expected our hospices to be sad and dark places.
“That’s simply not the case, as Her Royal Highness knows from her visits to us, and it’s fantastic to have her continued support in raising awareness.
“Children’s Hospice Week is always a really important time of year for us and all children’s hospices across the UK, and I hope people will once again join the Duchess in championing the role they have to play.”
EACH is also sharing the stories of five parents who receive the charity’s support at a photography exhibition in Ipswich.
Among the parents whose photos are being exhibited is Charlotte Markham, whose son Elliot died in 2012.
She said: “When we went to look around The Treehouse (EACH’s hospice in Ipswich) it was a totally different experience to what we expected.
“We were made to feel that our son Elliot mattered, his life mattered, he was important, they would care for us and him.
“Our initial perception of what EACH was from the outside was so wrong.”
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