It has been 10 years since the first child walked through the doors of a Woodford Green children’s hospice, and since then hundreds of youngsters and their families have benefited from the care and support provided by the dedicated staff.
Haven House, in High Road, which aids children with life-limiting illnesses, held a special anniversary event to mark a decade of care on Tuesday.
Attended by Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Felicity Banks, and Amy Winehouse’s dad, Mitch, on the second anniversary of his daughter’s death, it offered a chance for patrons and supporters to look around the hospice and celebrate the work that has been achieved there.
Chief executive Mike Palfreman said: “It has been a lovely day with so many faces from the past. I have been at the hospice for two-and-a-half years, so I feel very privileged to be here and to have the best job I have ever had. Hopefully in 10 years time we will be doing more for more children, which we can only do by raising more money to maintain a high quality of care.”
The hospice is hoping to build a new annex offering consultation rooms so families can seek medical advice closer to home, as well as a music room and space to provide expert training for parents and staff.
Actor and patron Gary Lucy, of Woodford Green, said: “Haven House is such a great place to be and I like to help as much as I can. It’s like one big family and they do so much great work out in the community too.
“It has gone from strength to strength over the years and all the credit must go to the staff. It takes so much hard work to keep the wheels turning. It really is a special place.”
In 2001, before the hospice was founded, the Haven House Foundation was able to open its first service, Toy Home Loan, providing specialist toys and equipment to families with life-limited children in their own homes.
Cllr Banks added: “The hospice ties in with the work I’m doing with the charity I am representing this year, Hopes and Dreams. I have visited The White House several times and it is a brilliant place.
“There are very few hospices in the country and they are a much needed facility.”
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