The love and help expressed by the community around us during such an extraordinary time, has been nothing short of incredible. Knowing our supporters are behind us every step of the way is reassuring and it means so much to know that we're in this together.

From messages of support, donations to our appeal, supplies of safety equipment for our nurses and innovative fundraising ideas. Our local community have mobilised in such a powerful and heartfelt way. Below are just some of our haven House heroes. 

Eileen White, Director of Care at Haven House, said: “The generosity people have shown us has been immense. I want to share our gratitude for the incredible kindness, ingenuity and compassion, which we are seeing demonstrated in so many ways every day."

 

We are very conscious that this uncertain situation will be with us for a while. We are so grateful for everyone’s help in these times and we do need that support to continue, so we can carry on providing a much-needed lifeline to the most vulnerable children and families.

The Grilli Family 

The Grilli family have turned their house into a production line, making face visors for the NHS, front line workers including our hospice care team. Emily and Christopher Grilli, from Barnet, have been 3D printing visors since the pandemic. The TV, sofa and chairs have been removed from their living room to make way for 10 3D printers, all churning out the plastic headbands that hold the transparent visors in place. The couple’s three children, Isabella, Sophia and Ollie, have also helped on the ‘production line’ by assembling the visors, packing boxes and making dinner for mum and dad. The family have supported over 30 hospitals, hospices and care homes and are currently producing around 100,000 visors a week. 

  

Thank you to the following companies who have supported us with supplies of gloves, masks and aprons: Galliard Homes, Screwfix and Armadillo Lighting.  

Wonderful scrubs for workers 

Husband and wife duo Raymond and Maureen Cordwell, of Woodford Green have stitched 20 protective gowns for our nurses and health care support workers. The pair normally sew costumes for films and West End Theatres productions such as Hamilton and the Tina Turner Musical. As theatres are closed the couple turned their hand to sewing scrubs for our care team. 

 

Hand cream for nurses

Long-standing hospice volunteer Heulwen Evans delivered an extra special gift for each of our care workers. Beautifully packaged in an organza bag was a Body Shop Hemp hand cream and lip balm with a beautifully hand-written note for each of our team. The idea came to her one evening after clapping for the NHS. Each note reads: “Thank you. Such a simple word. It’s often underrated, and yet in truth it’s always good to feel appreciated. So here’s our chance to say it! It’s absolutely true. Thank you.” 

    

Meals for our families 

The family accommodation at our hospice is being utilised by several families at present. It provides a safe and homely environment for families allowing them to be close to their children. The remarkable team at the Woodford Broadway Cook have supplied us with meals and delicious desserts for our families. Thank you to Alison and Della at the store. 

  

Thank you also to Mollie from The Cricketers Pub in Woodford for a helpful food delivery.

Thank you Fullwell 73

Over the past 2 years, Fullwell73 has been fundraising and donating gifts to Haven House and they have kindly been continuing to support us wherever possible.

With the power of teamwork and the importance of rallying together they created a fun fitness challenge to raise money for Haven House. 

Slam-dunking 100 baskets

Inspired by hearing all the fundraising stories on the news, six-year-old Sophia wanted to do something to support her local charity. She had learnt about Haven House at school and was keen to raise £100 to support our work. She decided to try and score 100 baskets in one day and asked family, friends and neighbours to donate to the charity to support her. She completed her challenge and exceeded her target, raising over £300 for Haven House. 

 

Taking a buzz cut 

Christopher Moy was due to be running the Brighton marathon this month for Haven House. With the event postponed he decided instead to shave off his hair raising and incredible £4,240 for the hospice. Chris, who works for International General Insurance, said: “I thought it was only right to do something to replace the marathon. I know it is nowhere near as tough and I know and appreciate some people shave their heads as the norm bit it isn’t the norm for me.” We think your new look suits you! 

Thank you for our gorgeous Scrub Bags

Thank you to Scrub Hub East London (E4) for our gorgeous scrub bags. Our care team think they are great and will use them for uniform changes. We love them!

Seeds for our children and families to plan in our hospice gardens

Thank you Homebase Walthamstow for thinking of us.

Working out through lockdown 

Personal trainer Suley Gul has been keeping the local community active during lockdown by putting on LIVE fitness sessions on his Instagram page for the nation to enjoy at home. Suley has captured the hearts of his followers with his vibrant personality and funny dance videos. Suley said: “I hope during this time of uncertainty and worry I can put a smile on people’s faces. I cannot believe in just three weeks since I started this quest to raise money for the children at Haven House that we have surpassed the £2,000 mark. It has demonstrated the strong, positive and loving will of the community.” You can join Suley by following him @SGPT.

Thank you for your support for visor protection

Thank you Woodbridge for your kind donation of visors to help keep our families and care team stay safe. We'd also like to thank Nightingale & Son Kitchen fitters for a kind supply of visors.

A huge thank you from everyone at Haven House. To find out more about what we do watch our film or donate to our appeal and help us continue to care.