TV personality Ferne McCann is making her mark on hospice care this Christmas after visiting children at Little Havens.
Ferne, from Essex, visited the children’s hospice last week and is backing this year’s Christmas appeal.
She toured the hospice, in Thundersley, and met with families to hear first-hand about the difference the hospice makes to babies, children and young people who rely on their services.
Ferne said: “Being an Essex girl and just up the road, I know about the incredible work Little Havens does and the support they provide for so many families and children in need in our community.
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“Walking in, I was struck by the joy, laughter, and happiness here – it’s such a warm, welcoming, and fun place.”
Little Havens offers respite, symptom management and end-of-life care to children and young people across Essex
Ferne met 10-year-old Sophia Hart from Loughton, who told her about her experience using the service.
Sophia said: “I love coming to Little Havens because everything is possible.
“Children can just be children and parents can chill out for a few hours.
“It was great to be able to explain to Ferne how much this means to children like me, and I felt like Fearne instantly understood how important Little Havens is for families.”
Ferne also spoke with care staff and heard about the hospice’s ‘Make Your Mark’ Christmas Appeal.
The appeal is led by nurse Lucy Layzell, who has spent her career supporting families at Little Havens.
When Lucy’s best friend Bex became a patient at Fair Havens, the charity’s adult hospice, she experienced the charity’s care from the other side and decided to rally the community in support.
Ferne said: “Getting the chance to talk just mother to mother made me emotional thinking of my two girls.
“Being a mum, it’s just unimaginable. But just to know Little Havens is there for families, to provide that love and support when they are told the most devastating news, that is why I’m supporting the charity this Christmas.”
The full cost of 24 hours of specialist care at Little Havens is more than £7,217.
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