Tuesday was indeed a busy day for members of the British Royal Family. The Countess of Wessex visited two organisations where she serves as patron, both in Leeds. Her first stop was at the Leads Children’s Hospital where she opened a facility called The Place 2b. This facility was created for adolescent and teen patients who spend a great amount of time in hospital. It provides them the opportunity to meet up outside the hospital’s wards and to give them a better experience whilst staying in hospital.
The facility came about with the help and advisement of the Youth Forum. Members of this forum consist of patients with existing conditions which force them to remain in hospital for great lengths of time. Funding for the project was provided by the Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal and the Rays of Sunshine Charity. The Yorkshire evening Post talked with Sue Morgan who is a Teenage Cancer Trust nurse consultant. She had this to say about the forum: “fantastic group of young people who are full of ideas. We’re really grateful for the charitable support we have received to make this facility possible. It will truly help transform the experience for many of our young people.”
The next stop on the Countess of Wessex’s diary was at Caring For Life, or CFL. This Christian charity’s sole focus is helping homeless and vulnerable individuals by providing accommodation, continuing support, love and friendship. This faith-based care allows for those the charity serves to develop dignity and a sense of self-respect. The Countess of Wessex is also their patron. For her last engagement of the day, Sophie, serving as chairman of Women in Business and representing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, attended a Diamond Challenge Event.
