Emdad Rahman
A local businessperson has led by example and generously donated a cash boost to support a local children’s hospice which offers vital services to severely ill children.
Local Conservative Party member Kam Ali visited the Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford with family and friends for a guided tour led by community fundraiser Matt Charlton. Ali, who is a National Executive Member of the Conservative Muslim Forum, also donated £2,000 to Haven House to support the fantastic work staff carry out with children who have life-limiting conditions and complex medical health needs. Mr Ali was accompanied by his children Zahida (15), Yusuf (15) and Maryam (9) as well as their mother Rina Ali. I accompanied my friend too.
Mr Ali said, “My children suggested and persuaded me to make a donation and to get involved. I’m really proud that they asked me to do so. This is a happy and safe haven which engages and respects diversity and always puts the needs of our children and families first. We are honoured to have received a tour today and the opportunity to make a small financial gesture.”
Conservative Party member Sue Nolan, who has been a councillor for 18 years, also attended the tour. She added, “This is a really serene haven and the staff are doing such fantastic work supporting the children and families here. I would like to applaud the gesture by Kam Ali and I hope this inspires many more people to follow his example.”
Haven House Children’s Hospice was first conceived in the early 1990s as the brainchild of Sue Irwin, a registered nurse and health visitor. With friends and colleagues she founded the charity to provide care to life-limited children and their families at no cost to them.
Like many community hospices at that time, the initial plan had been to raise enough funds locally to create a purpose-built children’s hospice. However, after several years of fundraising, Sue was alerted to the Mallinson Estate, on the borders of Essex and North East London. Through the support and dedication of Sue’s friends and early Haven House supporters in 2000 they acquired a 99-year lease on The White House, a locally-listed former family home set in four acres of protected woodland.
Today, Haven House has supported over 600 families, looking after children and young people aged from birth to 19 years old who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Residential and community services extend across North and North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire, including respite and end of life care. In the hospice children benefit from play activities as well as day and overnight stays. Through the Holistic Care Centre, opened in September 2014, children can access a range of therapies, including music therapy, physiotherapy and therapeutic yoga.
Families can also take advantage of support groups for mums and dads and sibilings (Buddies) as well as complementary therapies designed to reduce stress and anxiety. In the grounds there is a fully accessible specialist play area and tranquil sensory garden surrounded by many acres of beautiful woodland.
•For more information, go to: www.havenhouse.org.uk
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