Rodings Rally Donation to Haven House Children’s Hospice

EFOG’s Roding Rally (2012) donation to charity this year went to Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green, Essex. Committee members Dave, Maz, Peter, Val and myself were taken on a tour by Charlotte, one of the fundraising team, prior to handing over the £100 donation from the proceeds of the Rodings Rally.

Haven House Children’s Hospice proved to be to so much more than I imagined. The staff and volunteers provide planned and emergency care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to more than 150 children who have life-limiting conditions. It does this from their base in the superbly adapted ‘White House’ set in beautiful wooded grounds, just off Woodford Green High Road. They cater for children of all ages, from birth to 19 years old, serving as an invaluable support for the children and their families.

As well as providing temporary residential breaks for children in five specially adapted bedrooms they offer home support and specialist care training for many more within their catchment area. They also link with other organisations such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and have a toys and equipment loan service. Our tour included a look at a Music Therapy session, the Sensory Room and meditation / prayer room (in the former chapel of this once grand house).

We saw how raised floors in the bedrooms enabled the children to enjoy the amazing views through the windows. We looked at specialist equipment in care and work areas and walked around the gardens to see the play equipment. Maz, of course, couldn’t resist have ago at the hanging xylophone (made by the children). I would have liked to take an elephant or two home with me – but didn’t ask. I think Peter fancied the Pirate Ship. All this, and more, found in a delightful “home from home” environment which still provides the specialist care needed.

70% of the funding for Haven House needs to be raised from voluntary contributions. Their highly professional staff team is supported by a much-valued cadre of volunteers who undertake numerous roles, working anything from a couple of hours occasionally to a regular few days each week on specific tasks such as gardening. Many ‘donate’ their time in helping to organise several fundraising events and activities held throughout the year including walking and cycling challenges as well as several kinds of themed fun days and social events. PlaynNutz may even feature at a future event (Dave was wowed too).

Haven House advertise themselves as “a special place for special children”. This is exactly what we found.

To find out more please visit their website www.havenhouse.org.uk