Hearing from families who attended a special Easter event organised by Hospice in the Weald for Children highlighted how the specialist team is helping to meet local need.
Children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses and their families supported by the team were invited to the Hospice in Pembury to enjoy Easter festivities specially designed for them.
An Easter egg hunt along an accessible route through the landscaped gardens featured colourful bunting and Easter-themed props, with fun clues for children and young people of all ages. Children were rewarded with a choice of Easter eggs and families had the chance to take part in a free raffle.
A life-size Easter bunny greeted visitors, and children could decorate Easter bonnets and pictures. Younger visitors also had the chance to play on the ‘Magic Carpet’, an interactive projection with motion-responsive games.
16-year-old Jake, who came along with his sister and parents, said: “I haven’t been to any other Easter events this year, so this was fun. I enjoyed answering the clues, especially the space-themed questions, as I am really interested in anything to do with space.”
Jake’s mum Sarah said: “It was really nice to have something local to us that’s the right environment for Jake, as so many places aren’t suitable for a wheelchair. We all enjoyed it.”
Tracy Smith, who heads the team at Hospice in the Weald for Children, said: “It was a pleasure for us to welcome so many children and families. As a team we wanted to give them the opportunity to get together to enjoy Easter activities tailored to their needs. We’d like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who so generously donated chocolate eggs and to Once Upon A Time Events for bringing along their friendly Easter bunny. We hope to offer many more events like this in the future.”
Hospice in the Weald launched the children’s service last year to help meet the increasing need for local support in Kent and East Sussex. Offering home visits for respite care, support with hospital visits, memory-making activities, and music therapy, there are also plans for a new children’s centre later this year.
To find out more about Hospice in the Weald for Children visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/for-children
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