West Ham United and Richard House Children's Hospice is a charity partnership that is making a real difference to local people's lives.
The Hammers have been supporting Richard House, which opened as London's first children's hospice in Beckton in 2000, for the past two decades.
Richard House provides palliative care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across London. Among the families who are regular visitors are Maureen Muteesa and her 13-year-old son Calvin Muwanga, who was born with VACTERL disorder, a rare condition affecting multiple organ systems.
Muteesa explained that Richard House provided invaluable treatment and assistance to both her and her son, who is a huge West Ham fan and was a mascot for the Irons' Premier League win over Huddersfield Town at London Stadium in March 2019.
Richard House is something that is absolutely fantastic because it gives me the break that I need so much
Maureen Muteesa
She also explained that the hospice needs the ongoing support and funding from well-wishing members of the public if it is to provide its invaluable services to as many families like hers as possible.
“Calvin was born with complex medical needs and, at first, we had no idea that there was somewhere like Richard House, but then we were referred here and we found out they could look after his difficult medical needs,” she told West Ham TV.
“We visit three nights a month, but we would love to come more often if there were more beds available, because it’s a brilliant place for us to come. Richard House is something that is absolutely fantastic because it gives me the break that I need so much. Personally, I don’t think I could do without Richard House.”
To find out how you can support Richard House by way of donation or fundraising, click here.