The Countess of Wessex at Shooting Star Children's Hospice
Sophie made a special visit to Shooting Stars Children Hospice to see the new facilities offered to young residents and their families. The Countess joined children and parents in decorating Valentines Day biscuits at the hospices Hampton House location. Sophie is Royal Patron of Shooting Star and has supported the hospice since 2002. The hospice is supported by several other well known names including Simon Cowell and Dame Joan Collins (Vice-Presidents).
The Countess of Wessex was greeted by the hospices Chief Executive, Nigel Harding, Vice-President Karen Sugarman and Vice-President Tony Hadley. Mr. Hadley has been awarded an MBE in the Queens honors list for his service to the children's hospice. Sophie also read a short story that included sensory activities for all the children to join in with called, That's not my Princess.
During her visit the Countess spoke to parents and staff thanking them for the wonderful care that they provide for all of the children she had met there. She continued on saying in part;
"You are their family when they’re here. The parents trust you completely with their children and no price can be put on that. And to all of the people who are helping to fund this amazing organisation, thank you – it’s a very special place and I know that many families couldn’t survive without Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.”
Before departing the Countess was presented with a bouquet and a canvas that had been made by the children at the hospice. Several children's hospices are supported by members of the Royal Family, with the Duchess of Cambridge lending her support to East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
Both Sophie and Catherine have taken up similar causes in the past including their support of veterans and armed service personnel through honorary military appointments and in encouraging young girls to enter male dominated fields in their work with organizations like 100 women in Finance. xx