West Ham United will raise support and awareness for Official Charity Partner Richard House Children’s Hospice at Saturday's Premier League fixture with Arsenal.
Since 2000, Richard House - located in Beckton, east London - has provided care to families with children that have life-limiting and life-threatening complex conditions. As the first children’s hospice in London they have provided care and support to families across the city, helping over 300 in the past year. They are not just a hospice, they are a source of hope, a community of love and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Richard House provides a range of services, including respite and palliative care, hospice-at-home, bereavement counselling, music and art therapy, sensory play in their sensory room, family trips and activities, and end-of-life care, which is an embrace of love, ensuring that children and families facing life-limiting health conditions find solace and support in their journey’s final chapters.
Meet Yahya and his mum, Sabha
Yahya has been going to Richard House for over a year. Initially, Yahya’s mum Sabha was sceptical about leaving him at the hospice and they began their journey with Richard House by accessing day respite care. In 2023, Yahya required surgery and then used respite care for three overnight stays. During this time, Sabha stayed in Richard House’s family flats in the hospice that allow for family members to be close to their children. For the very last night, Sabha left Yahya in the care of the Richard House staff completely, so that she could have a much-needed break. Sabha has since been able to leave Yahya at Richard House for respite care to go on holiday and take some time for herself.
A typical weekday starts with an early wake-up in order to get Yahya ready for school. This includes changing, feeding and then physio. Sabha works from 9am-1.30pm and gets home at 2pm, and Yahya returns home from school at 4pm. Then, it’s time for meds, physio and finally bedtime. Sabha told Richard House: “A few nights’ stay can offer me the break I need, as it can all get on top of me. Respite allows me a breather so I can come back rejuvenated and be the best parent I can be for Yahya.”
Challenges and need
In the financial year 2023-2024, Richard House delivered 24,240 hours of high complex care in their residential unit. With over 4,000 in north-east London alone that require Richard House’s support, the need for their services continues to grow. The demand for their hospice services is rising rapidly as government support dwindles. Families that have children with life-limiting conditions are counting on Richard House, and they are facing an urgent challenge to continue providing necessary care. They are now struggling more than ever to provide the essential help that their families so desperately need.
If more crucial funding was available this would allow more children like Yahya the chance to access respite care. The families at Richard House are only offered 12 nights a year from the local authority, a number that is simply not enough.
The cost of a night’s respite stay for one child is £2,700, however they only receive just over half from the local authority, leaving it up to Richard House to raise the shortfall. The deficit of funding is leaving the future of Richard House at risk of having to close its doors. As the demand for Richard House’s services continues to grow, they have launched an emergency appeal to raise £874,939 by the end of the year in order to secure their services. Richard House need us, now more than ever.
How you can help
Help Richard House reach their funding shortfall of £874,939 and allow them to keep their doors open for those that need them most.
To donate now, text:
- 5RHCH to 70450 to donate £5
- 10RHCH to 70460 to donate £10
- 20RHCH to 70470 to donate £20
Or, click HERE.
