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Prince & Princess of Wales

Special message from the Duchess of Cambridge sent to The Treehouse

As patron of The Treehouse children’s hospice in Ipswich, the Duchess of Cambridge has sent them a special message wishing them a happy 5th birthday.

The Treehouse opened in 2012 and is operated by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The hospice specialises in taking care of children and youth who are suffering from terminal illnesses.

The Duchess who was there for their official opening in 2012 said in a statement: “Meeting the families who are supported by The Treehouse made it clear what a special place The Treehouse is; somewhere families feel safe, cared for, at home and where they are able to spend quality time together.

“I would like to take this opportunity to send everyone at The Treehouse my very best wishes and congratulations for their fifth anniversary. To the children, young people and family members receiving care and support, the dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and to all the charity’s supporters without whom this wonderful life-changing work wouldn’t be possible.”

Back in 2008, while Kate and Prince William were dating and before they were even engaged, she started her life of charity work with a hospice. She would take private visits Naomi House Hospice in Hampshire, where she would spend countless hours playing with the children. It wasn’t until many years later the media found out about the work she was doing.

Through the Duchess, The Treehouse has made contact with a Malaysian hospice who they are now helping to “develop services and share best practice”. In September 2012, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Hospis Malaysia while on their tour to Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu as part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Her last visit to The Treehouse was in June 2014 when she was supporting Children’s Hospice Week; an awareness and fundraising campaign for palliative care and children’s hospices. While on her visit she learnt more about the services families with sick children need and the role volunteers take in their care.