Richard House is not just a hospice; it’s a source of hope, a community of love, and stands as a powerful testament to human resilience.
Founded in 2000 by Anthea Hare, a former paediatric nurse at the Royal London Hospital at Whitechapel, Richard House was the first children’s hospice in London.
The Inspiration Behind Richard House
Anthea Hare was inspired by her experiences as a sister, a nurse, and a visionary.
She witnessed the struggles and challenges faced by children with complex medical needs and their families. She also shared the love and devotion with her parents in caring for her severely autistic brother. These experiences led her to see the need for a place like Richard House, where children, irrespective of their condition, could experience the joys of childhood, and families could find respite and support.
The Impact of Richard House
Today, Richard House supports more than 300 families across London, including Newham, Barking, Dagenham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Hackney, Redbridge, Haringey, Islington, Ilford, Camden, and South Essex. It has blossomed into a symbol of hope, compassion, and unwavering support for children and families facing life-limiting health conditions.
One of the Richard House parents said: “When he was born, he had lots of complications. And unfortunately, it meant that he needs a lot of care around the clock care.
“And Richard House provides all of that. So we thought we’d choose this place to make sure that he gets the best support.”
She said: “Without Richard House, I think sometimes I would do wonder, like, where would I have been?”
In the last year alone, Richard House provided countless hours of respite care in the family home and numerous counselling sessions with family members. It has created a happy and positive environment for all, respecting and welcoming people from all diverse communities.
The Values of Richard House
Richard House values openness and integrity in all its dealings. Its dedicated staff and volunteers put children and families at the centre of their work. They are passionate about achieving excellence in all they do.
Donate
You can donate to support their cause. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of these remarkable children and their families.
To find out more, go to: https://richardhouse.org.uk/
