EACH supports families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management support, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies and counselling; all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family.
EACH offers families flexibility and control over where they receive their care and support – at home, in hospital or at one of three hospices at Milton (Cambridge), Quidenham (Norfolk) and The Treehouse (Ipswich). More than half of our care and support is delivered in the family home and community, in surroundings familiar and comfortable for the family.
INFORMATION:
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has been since January 2012.
EFFORTS:
March 19, 2012 – Visiting The Treehouse Children’s Centre – The Duchess of Cambridge visited Ipswich’s Treehouse, a children’s hospice run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), for which she serves as the royal patron. Catherine’s visit was in recognition of the UK’s Children’s Hospice Week, which raises awareness and funds for “children with life-limiting conditions” and the care needed to help them. The Treehouse was built after a successful fundraising campaign, supported by the East Anglian Daily Times and BBC Suffolk, which raised £ 3 million to fund the building. The previous building run by EACH, also based in Ipswich, was just a bungalow that soon outgrew the weight of demand after it opened in March 1999.
During her time at the care facility, the Duchess visited with patients and learned more about palliative care. She also took a tour of the facilities, met children and parents/carers who use EACH’s vital services, and planted an oak tree to symbolize the opening. Various dignitaries greeted the Duchess on the day, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Suffolk High Sheriff, Suffolk County Council’s chairman, the mayor of Ipswich, and EACH executives, including Graham Butland, who still holds the role of chief executive.
It’s important to note that this visit marked Catherine’s first public speech. By her admission, she was nervous, but the “inspirational” work of EACH moved her to pass on a heartwarming message. You can read her speech here.
September 13, 2012 – Diamond Jubilee Tour – Day 3 – Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visited Hospis Malaysia during their Diamond Jubilee Tour of Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With the attention Catherine brought to EACH, they were able to contact Hospis Malaysia to develop practices and services. The visit by the Duchess of Cambridge was excitedly received by those working in and affected by hospice and palliative care worldwide. The movement has had little global attention and there is anticipation and enthusiasm for the prospect of the Duchess continuing to shine a much needed light on this issue in the future. The international impact of the Duchess’ visit, with extensive press and media coverage and a Twitter storm, reached new audiences. The Malaysian Ministry of Health also used the visit to launch and promote a National Paediatric Palliative Care Programme with plans to develop national guidelines. Hospis Malaysia were in discussion with EACH and the ICPCN around a pediatric palliative care workshop to be held later in the year. They were keen to maximize the profile and momentum of the Duchess’ visit not just in Malaysia but across the Asia Pacific region and, indeed, the world.
The visit also played a crucial role in establishing a new partnership between East Anglia Children’s Hospice and Hospis Malaysia. This partnership is expected to foster fruitful collaboration and bring benefits to those working with and being cared for by both centers. The attention garnered by this visit has the potential to significantly boost the morale and commitment of hospice and palliative care workers worldwide, many of whom often work in isolation with little or no support.
During the visit, she met with patients and their families and gave a speech. Her speech is available for you to read, providing a deeper insight into her thoughts and the visit here.
April 29, 2013 – Visiting Naomi House – The Duchess of Cambridge visited Naomi House, a children’s hospice, in Sutton Scotney near Winchester to mark Children’s Hospice Week. The hospice, which supports patients with life-limiting conditions and their families, was opened by her father-in-law, Prince Charles, in 1997. The pregnant royal spoke to the hospice’s volunteers, patients’ families, and supporters. The Duchess of Cambridge joined brothers and sisters of patients for a tea party. The focus of this year’s awareness week is the support offered to brothers and sisters of life-limited and life-threatened children receiving care at hospices.
The Duchess heard a musical performance from Ollie Wade, whose brother Ben passed away at the hospice in 2011. The youngster performed a self-penned track called Free, and proceeds from the song, which was available on iTunes then, went towards Naomi House. The Duchess also toured the hydrotherapy pool, children’s bedrooms, and gardens.
June 13, 2013 – Princess Cruises Ship Naming Ceremony – The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony in Southampton, England, to officiate the naming of the new Royal Princess cruise liner. This event marked the culmination of a week-long celebration to usher the vessel into service, featuring a special naming gala, a formal blessing and prayer from the Bishop of Winchester, and a performance by pop star Natasha Bedingfield. As the ship’s Godmother, The Duchess christened the new cruise ship using a 4-gallon (15-liter) bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne. Due to the bottle’s weight, she could not swing it herself. Instead, she cut a ribbon that launched the bottle and smashed against the hull amidst cheering crowds. A bereaved family, who had received care and support from EACH, were special guests at the naming ceremony. They presented Catherine with scissors to cut the rope for the bottle break. The ceremony also included a brief tour of the ship for The Duchess.
April 12, 2014 – New Zealand & Australia Tour – Day 6 – Set 1 – The Duchess of Cambridge made a significant solo visit during her three-week royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, attending a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Rainbow Place in Hamilton, New Zealand. Rainbow Place, a children’s service associated with a local hospice, offers complimentary support to children who have a terminally ill parent or family member. During her visit, the Duchess engaged in one-on-one conversations with children who have experienced the loss of a parent or are dealing with a terminal diagnosis in the family, discussing their coping mechanisms, including art therapy. Notably, she interacted with a 12-year-old boy who used a sand tray to depict his father’s drowning and spoke with two girls whose mother is facing terminal throat cancer. Described as compassionate and candid, the Duchess concluded her visit by touring an Alice in Wonderland-themed Mad Hatter’s tea party, complete with confectioneries, a cotton candy machine, carnival games, and a Narnia wardrobe leading to a snowy back room.
April 18, 2014 – Australia And New Zealand Tour – Day 12 – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had an emotional visit with children and relatives at the Bear Cottage Hospice at Manly in Sydney, Australia. Bear Cottage is one of only two centers in Australia that provide palliative care to children. William and Catherine met with the family of a nine-month-old little boy who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Max’s mother noted that both royals were “very upset” about her son’s condition. Catherine stroked Max’s leg, and Prince William said he was close in age to Prince George and worried that if he started crying, he wouldn’t stop. He said, “It took a great effort to control myself.” As part of the visit, The Duchess toured the center’s playroom, quiet room, and music therapy garden, meeting with children, some of whom were wheelchair-bound or confined to stretchers. She also gave a speech to families and staff at the hospice, which you can read here.
Due to Catherine being Patron of EACH, she can work with organizations worldwide. Because of this, she and Prince William met with Gabrielle and Paul Quilliam, co-founders of the charity Queensland Kids, which is working to open Hummingbird House – a children’s hospice for Queensland. In August 2014, EACH entered into an International Children’s Palliative Care Network twinning agreement with Queensland Kids to support the start-up phase of Hummingbird House, offering advice on organizational structure and the development of their model of care, staff training, and charity shop strategy.
November 25, 2014 – Attending East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Appeal Launch – Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attended the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices EACH Norfolk Capital Appeal launch event at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich, England. The event launched a fundraising appeal for a new EACH hospice in Norfolk. The new hospice for Norfolk would be called The Nook and be built on a woodland plot near the village of Framingham Earl. The charity’s current Norfolk hospice in Quidenham is one of the oldest in the UK and is highly restricted in its facilities and development. A new hospice for Norfolk will bring the county in line with the services EACH offers in Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. The new hospice will include a hydrotherapy pool, improved accommodation, and play areas.
Undoubtedly, the Duchess of Cambridge has been a driving force in the campaign. Her active role, which included introducing ceramics manufacturer Emma Bridgewater to EACH and suggesting a range of mugs to support the fundraising campaign, has been instrumental. Other guests at the event included families, businesses, charitable trusts, and voluntary and community groups, who had the opportunity to learn about the appeal and see how they could help.
February 18, 2015 – Visiting Emma Bridgewater Factory – Staff from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices joined Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of EACH, to visit the Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent and learn more about a special pottery project that will raise vital awareness and funds for their nook appeal. The partnership was encouraged by The Duchess of Cambridge, and two exclusive ½ Pint Mugs, ‘Insects & Flowers’ and ‘Ladybirds,’ as well as a ‘Ladybirds Baby Mug,’ have been designed. Emma Bridgewater attended the launch of the Nook Appeal at the Norfolk Showground in November 2014 to show supporters the new design. For every mug sold, £5 goes straight to EACH.
The Duchess was given a tour of the factory as part of the visit. Her Royal Highness was unafraid to get her hands dirty as she tried making a plate and painting designs on one of the mugs. Catherine also met with children and their families from Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. Before her visit ended, The Duchess unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit.
March 18, 2016 – Opening New EACH Charity Shop – As a committed supporter of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), the Duchess of Cambridge had the privilege of inaugurating a new EACH charity shop. As the store’s inaugural customer, the Duchess purchased a £2 copy of Fireman Sam’s Favourite Tales for her son George and an £8 Tom Kitten Beatrix Potter figurine, settling the payment in cash with a £10 note. The merchandise included pottery designed by Emma Bridgewater, crafted explicitly for charity by the British artist. During the visit, the Duchess was given a guided tour of the shop by EACH’s director of care, Tracy Rennie, and was introduced to the charity’s retail volunteers, EACH supporters, and staff. Her royal highness gained insight into the shop’s pivotal role in fundraising for the charity, which heavily depends on voluntary contributions. The inauguration of the new store contributes to EACH’s existing portfolio of 21 charity retail outlets. Notably, 11-year-old Rebekah Hughes, who suffers from the rare Dravet Syndrome, spontaneously escorted the Duchess on a tour of her preferred items in the shop. The Duchess concluded the visit by officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the shop’s commencement.
June 22, 2016 – The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Attend Gala Dinner To Support EACH Nook Appeal – On the occasion of a fundraising gala supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ Nook appeal at Houghton Hall in King’s Lynn, England, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance. The event, hosted by David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Sarah, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, at their country home, Houghton Hall, in Norfolk, aimed to raise funds for the construction of a new hospice. This new hospice, with an estimated goal of $14 million, is not just a building but a beacon of hope for the children and families it will serve, of which around $700,000 was sought to be achieved through the gala.
During the gala, a meticulously prepared, locally sourced menu was presented to the 80 invited guests. This included dishes prepared by five Michelin-star chefs—Galton Blackiston, Sat Bains, Claude Bosi, Tom Kerridge, and Mark Edwards. In addition to the culinary experience, the charity’s own Treehouse choir performed, and a speech was given by Charlotte Markham, who shared her personal experience of receiving care and support from EACH.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, EACH Patron and event organizer, Emma Deterding, expressed gratitude to the guests for their significant contributions and emphasized the urgent need for the new hospice to become a reality. The event concluded with a speech from author Anthony Horowitz, who extended his appreciation to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, particularly highlighting Catherine’s active and enlightened role as royal patron to EACH.
January 24, 2017 – Visits East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice At Quidenham – The Duchess of Cambridge, who has served as royal patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) since 2012, visited a children’s hospice in Quidenham, Norfolk. She met with families, children, and staff. Notably, during her tour, the facility’s service manager, Jane Campbell, escorted her to a sensory room and where she engaged in an art therapy session with the children. Testimonials from the families who encountered the Duchess portrayed her as authentic and unpretentious. Additionally, the Duchess received updates on The Nook appeal. She listened to accounts from Quidenham’s personnel and volunteers, shedding light on the challenges stemming from how the hospice has outgrown its current space and how the potential of a purpose-built modern hospice will significantly enhance the care provided to numerous families.
April 04, 2017 – ’42nd Street’ Opening Night Royal Gala In Aid Of EACH – The Duchess of Cambridge graced the opening night of the musical ’42nd Street’ in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH). This event served as a fundraiser for EACH to raise $520,000 to contribute to the $14 million “Nook Appeal” for a new hospice in Norfolk. Before the performance at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Duchess met with representatives and select guests, receiving a 42nd Street program from 12-year-old Ollie Duell, a user of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. She concluded her visit by joining the cast members for a group photo and receiving a pair of tap shoes from the producers and director. Renowned Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman was also in attendance, alongside Grammy winner Sheena Easton, who stars in the production.
November 15, 2019 – The Duchess Of Cambridge Opens The Nook Children Hospice – The Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to The Nook Hospice was a significant and moving event. The Duchess had been closely involved with The Nook Appeal since its launch five years ago, which aimed to raise £10 million to construct a purpose-built children’s hospice. The hospice is equipped with a hydrotherapy pool, state-of-the-art sensory room, and music studio. It will also offer specialized nursing care, symptom management nursing, well-being activities, therapies, counseling, and volunteer services.
The Duchess was welcomed by high-spirited children from Poringland Primary School, Framingham Earl High School, and Hobart High School during the visit. They greeted her with flags and shared their achievement of raising over $1,300 towards The Nook. Chief Executive Graham Butland noted her ongoing interest in the project during the last five years, highlighing her desire for regular updates on the building progress, and her support of families and charities through private visits to the hospice and homes of several families.
The tour of the facilities, including the hydrotherapy pool and the sensory room, provided The Duchess with the opportunity to meet with children and their families. Her genuine warmth and compassion were evident in her interactions with the children, making the visit a memorable and heartwarming experience for all. Her address to more than 300 invited guests, followed by the unveiling of a plaque alongside some of the children, marked the formal opening of the purpose-built hospice. You can view her remarks here.
June 18. 2020 – The Duchess of Cambridge Visits Garden Centre In Norfolk – On her first public appearance following the global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Duchess of Cambridge visited Fakenham Garden Centre. During her visit, she spoke with the owners, Martin and Jennie Turner, and conversed with their staff about the impact of the coronavirus on their business and the measures they have implemented to facilitate a safe shopping experience for their customers upon reopening.
The Duchess’s visit to the garden center was apt, considering her longstanding support for outdoor activities and a keen interest in gardening. Notably, she designed a special garden for the Chelsea Flower Show last year and has continued to pursue gardening with her children during isolation. She shared with the staff at Fakenham that they have been growing tomato plants at home during the lockdown and that her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, have shown excitement from seeing the plants they grew from seeds grow to reach their height.
It was later revealed on June 25, 2020, that this visit was connected to EACH when the Duchess visited EACH in Framingham Earl, Norfolk. The plants purchased during her visit to Fakenham Garden Centre were utilized during this subsequent engagement.
June 25, 2020 – Planting Flowers At EACH Framingham Earl, Norfolk – During a recent visit to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge participated in planting a sensory garden at The Nook alongside families, a volunteer gardener, and staff. The Duchess planted a sunflower in tribute to the late Fraser Delf, a nine-year-old from Huntingdon who succumbed to Coats Plus syndrome in January. This gesture materialized following a video call with Fraser’s immediate family, with EACH subsequently relocating the sunflower to its hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire, where Fraser spent his final days. The family had the opportunity to witness the sunflower in full bloom during their visit to the hospice in July.
On June 18, 2020, The Duchess visited Fakenham Garden Centre, where she purchased plants for the visit above.
December 08, 2021 – “Together At Christmas” Community Carol Service – Volunteers and families receiving care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) were invited to join The Duchess of Cambridge for a carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event was held to recognize and celebrate the incredible work done by those in their communities, with the themes of love, compassion, community, and togetherness taking center stage. EACH was asked to nominate a small number of “unsung heroes,” particularly those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. Among those selected were Brad and Debbie McLean from Norfolk, who received bereavement counseling after their 18-month-old son Stanley passed away in 2012. Also honored were Stuart and Carla Delf from Cambridgeshire, who received support from EACH during the life and following the death of their son Fraser, as well as John Skoyles from Suffolk, a fundraising volunteer for three years who volunteers for EACH’s Help at Home service and has provided one-off support to families and helped with weekly PPE runs across East Anglia. The event was televised, with additional footage spotlighting individuals and organizations who have achieved incredible work in their communities.
June 23, 2022 – The Cambridges Visit Cambridgeshire – Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at Milton. The Duchess, the charity’s Royal Patron, marked her ten-year anniversary of patronage this year. During the visit, the Duke and Duchess toured the hospice, which Diana, Princess of Wales, opened on August 1st, 1989. They met with children, young people, and families who use services through EACH and participated in art activities with families. The visit occurred during Children’s Hospice Week, a national week aimed at raising awareness of the vital work of children’s hospices across the country. The theme for the week was #ForTheChildren, highlighting the importance of the expert care provided by children’s hospices. The Duchess also marked the week by penning a message to EACH saying in part, “Every day, the UK’s 54 children’s hospices are a vital lifeline for families caring for a seriously ill child, and over the last ten years I have been privileged to see first-hand the incredible work they do. This year, the theme for Children’s Hospice Week is ‘For the Children’, reminding us all that as well as providing expert care, children’s hospices bring joy, fun and play to brighten each day and help families make the most of their lives together, no matter how short.” You can read the rest of her letter here.
December 15, 2022 – ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteers Vanessa Moore and David Gould were invited to a “magical, joyful” carol service at Westminster Abbey. It’s heartwarming to hear about the recognition given to Vanessa Moore and David Gould for their long-standing commitment and dedication to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). At 71, Vanessa volunteers at EACH’s Whittlesey shop, which she has been doing since it opened in 2011. David has been lending his time and support to the fundraising team and events since 2010, in addition to spending three mornings a week at the charity’s shop in Ipswich. It’s great to see people like Vanessa and David recognized for their selfless service and devotion to a good cause. The service at Westminster Abbey was dedicated to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and celebrated the values she embodied throughout her life, such as empathy, faith, kindness, compassion, and support for others.
December 08, 2023 – “Together At Christmas” Carol Service – EACH caretaker, Angelo Ragucci was invited to attend the magical carol service at Westminster Abbey. He was nominated to attend by EACH for his tireless efforts at The Treehouse over the the past twelve years. Individuals were nominated in recognition of their outstanding work in caring for children, young people and families. The service was attended by inspiring individuals and families from all corners of the UK, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers, community volunteers, and members of The Royal Family. The evening was filled with beautiful carols, musical performances, and poignant readings, making it an extraordinary and festive occasion. The service airs on Christmas Eve as part of a special program on ITV1 and ITVX.
December 23, 2023 – “Together At Christmas” Carol Service – Tea Party – The Princess of Wales took the time to appreciate and thank some inspiring adults who positively impacted children’s lives before the 3rd annual Royal Carols: Together At Christmas concert. The Princess of Wales held a tea party to mark the incredible contributions to raising the next generation. One individual, Ray, works as a music therapist at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Ray has helped support the family of a boy named Henry, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at a young age. Another guest, Brenda, is a retired mental health nurse who volunteers in local schools to help children develop new skills. Lastly, Russell Gray, a soccer coach in Manchester, has helped build confidence and passion for the sport. These adults are genuinely making a difference in the lives of children, and it’s wonderful to see Catherine recognizing their contributions.
