Haven House Children’s Hospice held its Orbian Business Breakfast with business woman and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden and Newsnight presenter Evan Davis on Thursday 6 December raising around £19,000 for the charity.

Deborah, one of the most popular and longest standing investors on the BBC’s Dragons Den, shared her insight with Evan on a range of hot topics, including Brexit, the economy and setting up your own business.

Around 100 guests enjoyed breakfast at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, before Deborah and Evan took questions from the floor.

Speaking at the event, now it’s fifth year, the self-made millionaire said: “I am so proud to be involved in today’s event and to be able show my support to Haven House Children’s Hospice."

“Haven House provides fantastic palliative care to children and their families. It enables families to create happy memories together in a positive, loving and welcoming environment. I know how tough times are, and to do what they do, to the level and quality they do is expensive, so I hope today goes just a little bit further in making life just that bit easier.”

Invited guests watched the charity’s appeal film, which features the story of Enfield parents Jaycee Wharfe and Rikilee Webster and their son, Finnley.

Finnley has Holoprosencephaly, a rare genetic condition resulting in incomplete brain development. The film shows the family receiving support from Haven House’s Toy Home Loan service and Finnley enjoying music therapy and physiotherapy at the hospice in Woodford Green.  

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House, said: “We are so grateful to Deborah Meaden and Evan Davis for generously supporting this year’s Business Breakfast.

“The breakfast is one of our most exclusive and high-powered corporate events. We are thrilled and overwhelmed by the generosity from each and every one of our guests – their support will make a huge difference to the lives of the children and families we provide vital care to at our hospice.”

Haven House wish to thank Orbian for sponsoring the event along with our Patron, Iain Duncan Smith MP and Michael Herst, Trustee, for their ongoing commitment.

Find out more about our events by visiting our website at havenhouse.org.uk/events.