Haven House Children’s Hospice was transformed into a magical Christmas Wonderland on Saturday 1 December.

Adorned with festive decorations, from twinkling lights to Christmas trees, snowflakes and reindeers, the Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green brought the spirit of the holiday season to hundreds of children, families and visitors.

Guests filled the Hospice to enjoy a festive frenzy of gift stalls, tombola’s, raffle and tasty winter warmers and sweet treats.They then had the chance to step into a Winter Wonderland through the Hospice’s whimsical garden complete with snow, giant presents before meeting the man himself and his friendly elves in Santa’s Grotto. To complete the day families enjoyed the Christmas petting corner with sheep and a donkey from Hackney City Farm.

Events Fundraising Manager, Katie Tyler, said: “This is the first time we have hosted an event of this kind and we were delighted with the turnout. There was a lovely festive atmosphere at the Hospice. It was great to see so many people just wandering around the garden and enjoying the live music.

“A special thanks goes to all the staff and volunteers who came together and worked so hard to make the event a real success. Thanks to our sponsors CRATE Loughton (managed by Grangewood Investments) and Percy Ingle and the lovely ladies from the Women’s Institute for their support.”

The inaugural event raised just under £7,000 and the Hospice would like to thank everyone who contributed and joined them for the start of a very busy Christmas Season.

Thanks to: UltraSound Choir, Eclectic Voice, Islington Community Choir, Dave Singer Swing and Matt Lautman.

If you would like to send a wish to children and families at Haven House this Christmas, please visit havenhouse.org.uk/ChristmasWishes or to see our Christmas Wonderland album visit our Facebook page.