Haven House Children’s Hospice has launched a brand new film to raise awareness of the support available to children and young people as part of Hospice Care Week.

Described as “heart-breaking and inspiring”, by TV star and Haven House ambassador Mark Wright, the film shows families speaking candidly about the challenges of caring for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

The film is introduced by Harry Luxton, a 17-year-old student from Harold Hill who has the muscle weakening condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Harry uses a wheelchair and finds it difficult to make friends. Coming to Haven House has given him a sense of independence and the chance to build confidence.

When Harry is at Haven House it means his parents, Joanne and Steve, have time to do basic things such as shopping or going for a meal together in a restaurant.

They know Harry will be enjoying himself creating artwork, watching his favourite films and getting the support he needs.

Maxine Davies, a mother from Hainault, also features in the film with her nine-year-old son, Kai, and daughter, Aisha.

Kai has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and spastic quadriplegia. He cannot walk or mobilise independently and uses a wheelchair.

Through Haven House, Maxine has found support for Kai, Aisha, and also herself.

Last Thursday, Harry and Aisha were special guests at the Haven House Autumn Ball where the charity’s new film was unveiled for the first time in front of 400 guests.

Aisha bravely spoke on stage and afterwards Harry said: “Being in the film has given me more confidence. I would like to do more to raise awareness about my disability. People might not understand and sometimes think I’m a bit stupid because of the wheelchair. But they should not judge”.

When Harry was first told about Haven House, he had a different idea of what it would be like.

Harry said: “I thought it was going to be like a hospital and quite boring with not much to do, but it’s not as scary as you think it will be - it’s great!

“Coming here really helps; it helps with my confidence, there are lots of people to talk to if you have problems and I get to do things which I might not normally get to do.”

Haven House ambassador Mark Wright said: “Haven House makes such a difference to local families and I was blown away when I watched the charity’s new film.

“It’s heart-breaking to hear the families’ stories, but inspiring to know they are getting incredible support from such a brilliant charity.”

As part of Hospice Care Week you can help strengthen the voices of all our families by watching our new film and sharing it with your friends on social media.