Kate Middleton has shared a personal message praising the work of children’s hospices for Children’s Hospice Week as the patron of East Anglia Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice

Kate Middleton has praised the “extraordinary work” of children’s hospices in a written message to invite members of the public to join her in celebrating the life-changing work they do for Children’s Hospice Week.

The Princess of Wales wrote the personal message for Children’s Hospice Week, led by Together for Short Lives across the UK, the charity for children’s palliative care. The week, which runs until Sunday, June 22, is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services. Kate is the Royal Patron to two children’s hospices – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales.

At the end of Children’s Hospice Week, the princess heralded the efforts of staff and medical professionals for tirelessly “lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play” for the most poorly children in the country, praising the “life-changing work” of the UK’s children’s hospices for supporting children and families “through life, death and beyond”.

“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” the Princess wrote. “Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.

“Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone. As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices.

“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. This Children’s Hospices Week, I hope you all will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron. Her ongoing support and vast profile have projected our charity onto the global stage and this latest message is a perfect way to mark Children’s Hospice Week.

“It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the work of children’s hospices generally, as well as giving us an opportunity to raise awareness and remind everyone of the need for public support, given we rely on donations for the majority of our income.”

Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year.

“Her ongoing support for Children’s Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children’s hospices do, every day of the year. Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours. Together with all of our children’s hospices, we thank The Princess of Wales for her invaluable contribution.”

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, added: “We are deeply grateful to The Princess of Wales, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, for her incredible support. Her Royal Highness is clearly profoundly committed to the needs of children and young people, and in January, during her first visit to our hospice as our Patron, her kindness and empathy were evident.”

“Having HRH’s support during Children’s Hospice Week means that not only can we take time to celebrate the difference that children’s hospices, including Tŷ Hafan, have made to the lives of so many families, but that we can also remind people of the importance of supporting their local children’s hospice so that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.”