Sunday evening (26th October) saw the streets around Woodford and Buckhurst Hill turn orange in aid of Haven House.

The occasion was the launch of the hospice’s newest family fundraiser; Pumpkin Plod, a sponsored fancy-dress walk, which is hoping to raise £10,000 for local life-limited children.

The fun kicked-off at 2pm with a trick-or-treat lucky dip, face-painting and tombola, meanwhile children from RAW theatre school in Chingford and the Haven House ‘Buddies’ took part in a ‘spooky’ dance routine. Then as darkness fell, children and families set-off on a 5km and 10km sponsored walk.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of the Woodford Green hospice, said of the walk; ‘It was truly wonderful to see so many children dressed as pumpkins and raising vital funds for Haven House.’  He continues; ‘We have phenomenal support from our local community and we simply couldn’t exist without it, however there is something extra special about children helping other, less fortunate children.’

Haven House mum, Maxine Davies from Hainault, attended the event with her children Kai and Aisha who use Haven House’s clinical services and ‘Buddies’ (sibling support) service respectively.  Maxine said of the Plod; ‘We had so much fun at the event; we all dressed as pumpkins and my daughter took part in the dance routine, which she loved.  Haven House is like family to us and we do all we can to support its fundraising events.’

Money raised from the Pumpkin Plod will help to fund services in the hospice’s new Holistic Care Centre including music therapy, therapeutic yoga and parent training sessions.