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British RoyalsThe Edinburghs

The Countess of Wessex puts spotlight on Children’s Hospice work

Sophie, The Countess of Wessex

On Wednesday, the Countess of Wessex visited children and carers at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in Hampton.

The Countess received a tour of the recently refurbished and new facilities.

Shooting Star is the leading children’s hospice charity. Throughout Surrey and London, over 700 children and their families are supported. The Countess is the patron and officially opened the Guildford Hospice, Christopher’s in 2002.

Having some Valentine’s Day fun, the Countess decorated heart-shaped biscuits with families. Afterwards, the Countess also took time to read a short story, That’s not my princess which had sensory actions for everyone to join in.

Before leaving, the Countess addressed the nurses and care staff at the hospice:

“Thank you for what you do in looking after these wonderful and beautiful children. The care and love that you show to every single child who comes through the door is immeasurable. You are their family when they’re here. The parents trust you completely with their children and no price can be put on that. And to all of the people who are helping to fund this amazing organisation, thank you – it’s a very special place and I know that many families couldn’t survive without Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.”

Jenny, a mum of three-year-old Gwen who is living with spina bifida, a birth defect in which a baby’s spinal cord does not develop correctly, spoke about their afternoon with the Countess:

“It’s been a lovely afternoon – Gwen thoroughly enjoyed meeting a real-life princess. Gwen decorated a biscuit with The Countess, which is a special memory that we as a family will be able to treasure. When you have a child with a life-limited condition it’s lovely to be able to do things like this because life can be hard sometimes and these sorts of things make you realise that you’re not alone. The support that we get from the charity is just brilliant.”

Before leaving, the Countess was given a special canvas created by the children at the hospice as well as a bouquet of flowers.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.