A children’s hospice is launching a fundraising appeal as it enters its 10th anniversary year, asking donors to pay for vital days of care at its Woodford Green home.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in High Road has launched Pay for a Day with the Recorder as its media partner.

Donors’ support of �3,835 will provide for 24 hours of care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Chief executive Mike Palfreman said: “We hope Pay for a Day will be a great way to engage supporters.

“We appreciate only a few may be able to pay this amount personally.

“For others though, this may be an opportunity to join together in fundraising for a specific purpose.”

Woodford Green resident Mel Field, 39, of Darnley Road, has already signed up to sponsor care on September 17, the date she lost her eight-year-old daughter Molly to a brain tumour in 2010.

Molly was laid to rest in the hospice’s Butterfly Suite and the family stayed there until the funeral, with Molly’s sister Isabella, now seven, helped by the Buddies sibling support group.

Mel, who has already raised around �47,000 for the charity, said: “I want to keep that day just for us. I know I can raise at least that money and I hope to raise more.”

The hospice expects donors will pick particular days to honour someone’s memory or to celebrate a special day.

They will receive a framed certificate marking their support of a chosen day and will have an inscription in a “Book of Days” with a personal message.

They can also arrange a visit to tour the hospice and meet staff and families.

Mel will visit on September 17 with Isabella. She said: “I think everyone that pays for a day should do that. It’s the achievement of what they’ve paid for – it’s an amazing place.”

The hospice provides a range of services for children and parents including respite and emergency care, music therapy and post bereavement support.

Donations account for two-thirds of its funding.

For more information on Pay for a Day and to donate, visit www.havenhouse.org.uk.

- 10th anniversary

The Recorder will bring you stories about Pay for a Day and its impact on the life of Haven House throughout the hospice’s 10th anniversary year.

It opened its doors in 2003 and has since drawn support with fundraising events in Woodford Green and further afield such as its late night Glowalk.

Famous friends of the hospice include Ray Winstone, TOWIE stars James Argent and Same and Billie Faiers and actor Gary Lucy.

Ray Winstone said: “I wish them every success for their 10th birthday and beyond.”