HRH The Duchess of Cambridge was greeted outside by local school children before entering the Norfolk Showground in Norwich where hundreds of guests from across the county had come together to hear about the nook appeal, which will see a new hospice built on a 5-acre woodland plot in Framingham Earl to replace the current hospice in Quidenham.
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EACH Vice-President and former BBC and ITV newsreader Martyn Lewis welcomed HRH The Duchess of Cambridge into the room and spoke passionately about the nook appeal and his involvement with EACH.
Quidenham has been an incredible home-from-home to many families for more than 20 years. However the hospice was converted from an old country house and is extremely restricted in its facilities and development. EACH is rapidly outgrowing the constraints of the building and a new purpose built hospice with the addition of a hydrotherapy pool, increased space for families to stay, and dedicated rooms for therapies will make such a big difference to families.
Martyn Lewis returned to the stage inviting Leigh Smith to join him.
(Image removed)Leigh’s daughter Beatrice was born on 28 November 2013. Leigh's dad Toby and her four year old brother Elliot helped her settle into life at their home in Norwich and enjoyed their first Christmas together as a family.
In January 2014, Beatrice became unwell and was taken to hospital where she was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition.
Leigh said “It became clear that Beatrice was dying and would be unlikely to survive long enough or be strong enough for a heart transplant. We knew our little girl was just too tired and could fight her battle no longer.
“On the morning of 24th February 2014, after a long night holding her in our arms, we made the decision to let her go. EACH made arrangements for after her passing and she travelled home to Norfolk where we met her at Quidenham Hospice.”
“While Beatrice was at Quidenham we were able to all stay together as a family and this time was just the start of the support we have received from EACH.
“There can never be enough thank yous or words to express our gratitude. For us, having the time staying at Quidenham with Beatrice after she had passed away was so important. In the darkest and most painful of times, EACH has given us the best in the worst possible situation.”
EACH relies on public support for the majority of the income needed to deliver its care service and will rely 100% on voluntary income for the nook appeal.
How you can help:
- Donate at www.each.org.uk/the-nook or www.justgiving.com/thenookappeal
- Organise sponsored events and activities
- Join the nook business network
- Contribute to our nook foundation appeal by donating £10 this Christmas
- Join our friends of the nook initiative
- Get your school involved
- Put on a special event in your community
- Join our challenge events
Find out more www.each.org.uk/the-nook
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