Richard House, East London’s only children’s hospice, has warned it may have to cut services unless it raises £1.27m by the end of 2025.
The Newham-based hospice supports more than 300 children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
But with less than a third of its funding coming from the NHS, leaders say rising costs, the pandemic and falling donations have left it struggling to meet demand.
So far the charity has secured £686,000, and a further £250,000 has been pledged by a supporter to match public donations pound for pound, doubling the impact of each gift until that fund is used up.
Anne Biggs, director of care and family services, said reduced access would be “utterly devastating”.
“We have stood beside parents as they’ve faced the unimaginable," she said.
"I have witnessed bravery that takes your breath away — not just from our children, but from their siblings, their parents, and our staff.
"The service we deliver is truly excellent – and irreplaceable.”
For parents, the hospice can be the only respite from round-the-clock care.
Kareema Motala, whose 14-year-old son Jayden has Lowe Syndrome, a rare condition that leaves him blind, epileptic and needing 24-hour supervision, said his monthly respite stays at Richard House were “a lifeline”.
“If Richard House cuts services, I honestly don’t know what we’ll do. There is nowhere else for families like ours.”
Chief executive Paul Richards, himself a bereaved parent, said of the hospice’s specialist care: “We have a world-class clinical team and I know the support we offer is second-to-none.”
Founded in 2000 by nurse Anthea Hare, Richard House was the capital’s first children’s hospice. As well as overnight stays, it provides day visits, home care, counselling and bereavement support.
Donations to the appeal can be made at richardhouse.org.uk/donate.
