Harry Potter actor Imelda Staunton and Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh were on hand last night to help launch a year of celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Richard House children’s hospice.
London’s first children’s hospice first offered homecare services back in 2000.
The pair were at the Docklands-based hospice prestigious reunion event and were the first to sign a canvas to mark the anniversary. The canvas will now travel around London over the next 12 months collecting signatures from supporters.
The event included a special exhibition about the history of Richard House and the first showing of the hospice’s 10th anniversary film. The stars of the film were Rodney and Wendy Mann, grandparents of Katie Joy, the first child to die at the hospice.
Over 100 people attended including the hospice’s founder, Anthea Hare, several original committee members and a number of the hospice’s key supporters over the last 10 years.
Niall Couper, director of communications at Richard House, said: “It was a fantastic night and great to see so many faces from the past come together to celebrate.
“We really wanted to give something back to those that have helped us over the years. Tommy and Imelda are long-term supporters of Richard House and they stayed to the end talking to old families, trustees and supporters.
“This year is really special for Richard House and we are planning a number of events that should bring the local community together.”
Among the events planned for the year are a stakeholder event in March, a photo exhibition in April, a Bridge Walk in May and a food week in October.
