Hundreds of people turned out to Haven House Children’s Hospice on Saturday 21 May for a grand garden party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

More than 500 people, including many of the children and families cared for by our hospice, enjoyed an afternoon of live music, tea, delicious cakes, and Jubilee-themed crafts to mark the incredible milestone.

Visitors, including long term supporter and patron Sir Iain Duncan Smith, soaked up the afternoon sun in the beautiful hospice grounds, which were adorned with red, white and blue decorations, while listening to entertainment from the Wanstead Rock Choir, Mind the Kerb and singer Lydia Maddix.

Mum Nicola Hastings, who attended with her two-year-old son Rudy, said:

“It was such a lovely event where families with disabled children could feel totally at home, totally seen and most importantly able to enjoy themselves. The playground was packed with children having the best time as the sun shone and the bands played. Bravo Haven House for such a great event.”

Volunteers had baked an abundance of gorgeous treats with the showstopper being an afternoon tea themed cake which was auctioned off for £110. The event raised £5,192 for the charity and will support our hospice’s specialist and vital care services for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Speaking at the event Sian Wicks, our Chief Executive, said:

“We all know how tough the last couple of years have been, and we have been so looking forward to opening our grounds to our local community and supporters to say a huge thank you for being there for us. Without amazing people in our community, we simply couldn’t be here for the families we work with.

“Haven House is steeped in history. Built in 1905, acquired by the Mallinson family in 1926, King George VI visited in 1940, The Duke of Edinburgh played cricket in the grounds in 1949, In 1951 Churchill left the White House to Buckingham palace to be asked to form a government.

"So, it’s very fitting, with the Royal connections and the deep roots in our local community that we open our doors today to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”