Duchess of Cambridge offers support to EACH hospice appeal

The logo for the nook appeal (Image: Archant)

In November, builders moved onto the five-acre Framingham Earl site, off Pigot Lane, which will be home to the £10m EACH nook hospice.

It will replace the charity's Quidenham hospice - its Norfolk base since 1991 - and be ready for families and youngsters by summer 2019.

So far £7m has been raised after the £10m nook appeal was launched by the Duchess of Cambridge, EACH Royal patron, in November 2014.

In a message to EACH supporters, written in December 2017 and revealed to the public for the first time today, the Royal patron said: 'I greatly admire the dedication, generosity and achievements of the charity's supporters and volunteers, and look forward to seeing the progress of this campaign.

'Together, I hope that we will achieve this vision for Norfolk families and continue to transform lives.'

Simon Hempsall, head of marketing and communications at EACH, said: 'We're thrilled to share such a special message from Her Royal Highness, one that marks the beginning of the hospice build and recognises the achievements of our supporters and volunteers.

'It's a lovely boost for the start of a challenging year ahead, as we look to raise the final funds required to complete this vital project for Norfolk families.'

He added: 'We hope the Duchess's words make all our supporters feel appreciated and encourage even more support for the nook appeal during 2018. We really do need the whole community to help in whatever way they can.

'This message comes almost a year after the Duchess visited us at Quidenham, when she saw the many challenges we face when delivering care from such an old and restrictive building.'

The nook will offer more space compared with Quidenham hospice for palliative care to hundreds of youngsters with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

It will also offer the space for family support groups as well as music, art and play therapy sessions.

The central location means it will be accessible to more families.

EACH staff also offer care in people's homes across Norfolk.

Noah's story

He was days away from his fifth birthday when he died from a brain tumour.

But despite his condition, Noah Bueno, four, from King's Lynn, died peacefully surrounded by his parents and their close friends at the Quidenham hospice on May 27, 2016.

The joyful and playful youngster was diagnosed with a tumour on his brain stem in November 2015 and spent his last 10 days at EACH's south Norfolk base.

Speaking about how EACH helped her, Noah's mother, Lanie Bueno, 40, from Filberts in King's Lynn, said: 'The EACH staff assured me he wouldn't be in pain and that he would be comfortable when the time came. He was so peaceful when he died. It helped us emotionally. I don't know how to describe how good they were to us.'

Mrs Bueno, a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, added: 'It is good to know that EACH is building a new hospice. The more families that can benefit from the charity the better.'

How to support the nook appeal

From buying a virtual brick to joining a friends group - there are many ways to support the nook appeal.

The nook friends group - The volunteer fundraising group wants people to save loose change in collection boxes this winter. Contact Judith Sykes on 01508 494873 or email judyannsykes@btinternet.com.

Buy a brick - People can buy a brick for £20, £100, £500 or £1,000 as gift for an individual, group or company for a virtual wall. Visit www.each.org.uk/buyabrick

My £10 challenge - People can give up something that will save £10. Participants need to photograph themselves showing how they saved the money, sharing it on social media via #My10pound and donating via www.each.org.uk or by texting NOOK10 £10 to 70070.

EACH is opening its third shop in Norwich - on Plumstead Road - on Thursday January 11.

To help with any form of fundraising call 01953 666767 or email norfolk@each.org.uk.

?Visit www.each.org.uk/the-nook