HER Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has written a heartfelt message, inviting members of the public to join her in celebrating the life-changing work children’s hospices like Jessie May does, following Children’s Hospice Week last week (16 – 22 June).
Led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children’s palliative care, Children’s Hospice Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services up and down the country, including Jessie May.
In her personal message she speaks of the difference hospice care and support makes to families at unimaginably difficult times:
‘No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.
‘Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.
‘As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices.
‘Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.
‘This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.’
Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales.
Through Children’s Hospice Week, Together for Short Lives unites these vital services to celebrate the incredible work children’s hospices like Jessie May does for seriously ill children and their families.
To celebrate the week, this year Jessie May highlighted the difference their care makes to seriously ill children and their families. As the only children’s hospice service in their region providing specialist care at home, they offer a lifeline that allows families to stay together in familiar surroundings during the most challenging times.
This year’s theme, ‘Our community needs you’, resonates strongly as Jessie May continues to see a growing need for their support – demand for their services has risen by 53%. Throughout the month, they are sharing powerful stories and the voices of families and nurses to show just how vital this support is.
Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year.
“Her ongoing support for Children’s Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children’s hospices do, every day of the year. Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours.
“Together with all of our children’s hospices we thank The Princess of Wales for her invaluable contribution.”
Daniel Cheesman, CEO, at Jessie May, said:
“The support of The Princess of Wales for Children’s Hospice Week means so much to families and the children’s hospice sector. Her message helps shine a powerful light on the vital care services that often go unseen. At Jessie May, we are proud to provide this care at home, where children can feel safe, loved and comfortable. We’re honoured to stand alongside our fellow hospices to celebrate the incredible work being done every day to support seriously ill children and their families.”