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Catherine returns to hospice to meet children

Ben Parker
News imageChris Radburn/Press Association Princess Catherine smiling alongside 13-year old Charlotte, who is sat in front of microphone and a piano. Catherine wears a green blazer and has long brown hair. There are people in the background smiling. It is a well-lit room.Chris Radburn/Press Association
Catherine spent time with children who were taking part in music activities

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has revisited a children's hospice 14 years after opening the site for the first time.

The princess, who is the patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), spent nearly an hour talking to children and families receiving care at The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich.

The hospice, which opened in 2012, provides short breaks and palliative support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and a bereavement service for families.

Catherine later visited an EACH shop in Hoveton, Norfolk, to meet volunteers, staff members and doting supporters outside.

Catherine, who made her first speech as a member of the royal family at The Treehouse, commended "brave" children after listening to youngsters play music.

News imageChris Radburn/Press Association Princess Catherine speaking to a child. She is holding a piece of coloured fabric, there are more pieces on the floor, in the background are more people and musical instruments.Chris Radburn/Press Association
Catherine praised the brave children at the hospice

Charlotte, 13, who has a rare genetic muscle disorder, sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran through a microphone for the princess, who told her she was "brilliant".

"Charlotte, that was beautifully sung. Well done, you," Catherine said.

The princess also met four-year-old Primrose, who has a rare congenital heart defect, and has had three heart surgeries including one at six days old.

Catherine commented: "Super brave girl and brave parents, too."

News imageShaun Whitmore/BBC Jessica Andrews wearing a floral blue and brown top and a brown apron. She is wearing glasses. She is standing inside.Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Jessica Andrews volunteers three days a week for EACH

The hospice wants to expand to make space for a new hydrotherapy pool, therapy suite and a larger kitchen and dining area for families.

In March, the charity said about £4m of funding was already in place and it had until October 2027 to raise the rest of the money.

Kevin Clements, chief executive of EACH, said the visit helped raise the profile of the charity.

"The demand on our services is only going one way; it's increasing every single year. We've got to get this site fit for purpose," he said.

News imageShaun Whitmore/BBC Catherine wearing a dark green blazer. She is sitting at a table talking to a person opposite. It is a well-lit room.Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Catherine met staff and volunteers at the EACH shop in Norfolk

At the EACH shop in Hoveton, Catherine met Jessica Andrews, who volunteers three days a week at Cafe 98 at the store.

She said meeting Catherine was the "best opportunity ever".

"She's ever so lovely, very bubbly, down to earth," Andrews added.

News imageDonna Carver Catherine wearing a dark green jacket and black top alongside Margaret Jackson who is wearing a coat and blue glasses.Donna Carver
Margaret Jackson had the opportunity to take a photo with the princess

EACH says it is funded 85% by the public and 15% from the government.

Clements called people's contributions to the charity "enormous."

Margaret Jackson managed to get a photo with the princess outside the shop after hearing about the visit while at a nearby cafe.

"We dashed out. I asked, 'Can I have my picture taken with you?' She said, 'Of course you can.'"

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