The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, planted a tree in the grounds of Haven House Children’s Hospice on Thursday 29 June to mark the charity partnership between the Bank of England and Haven House.

The tree was planted in the sensory garden in recognition of the Bank’s support for the hospice as one of its charities of the year 2016/17 and also to celebrate its links with the local area.

Bank staff have also been volunteering at Haven House during this week to help clear the gardens in advance of our Summer Fair on Sunday 2 July.

Mark Carney was given a tour of the hospice and met with children and staff. He was also shown the tree planted by the Earl of Cromer, a former Governor of the Bank and British Ambassador to the United States in 1974.

Earl Cromer was among more than 100 notable public figures to plant trees in Haven House’s arboretum when the estate was home to the Mallinson family.

Mark Carney, Governor, Bank of England, said: “The Bank of England is proud to support Haven House Children’s Hospice as one of our charities of the year. The tree I have planted today marks our partnership and celebrates the contribution of Bank staff who have been offering support to the children with life limiting conditions and their families at Haven House.

“I’m proud to say that Bank colleagues have been fundraising through a range of activities and have raised over £34,000 for the charity so far this year.”

Harry Luxton, 17, from Harold Wood, who uses Haven House, said: “It was really nice to meet the Governor. He was really friendly and gave me some useful career advice to always follow what you like to do.”

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House, said: “We are very grateful to Governor Carney for taking the time to visit our hospice and plant a Paper Birch in our sensory garden.

“The Bank of England has been phenomenal in their support for Haven House with staff continuing to fundraise and volunteer at our hospice.

“We are also delighted that Governor Carney has restarted our proud tradition of tree planting by public figures and statesmen in our historic grounds.”

Haven House is situated at The White House in Mallinson Park which was previously frequented by Sir Winston Churchill during his time as the local MP for Woodford.

Sir Winston is among several statesmen to have trees planted in Haven House’s arboretum.

In September, Sir Winston became the face of the New Fiver, the Bank of England’s first polymer note.

Haven House relies on the generosity of business partners to raise funds for life-limited children and their families. If you would like to support our work please visit our corporate giving page.