Comedian Griff Rhys Jones met a family being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) during a special media morning at The Treehouse.
The EACH Patron dropped by to promote next month’s annual comedy and music extravaganza, Happy Christmas Ipswich. The seventh edition of the show – hosted by EACH and driven by Griff – is taking place at The Ipswich Regent on Monday, 30th November.
As part of his preparations, he visited The Treehouse and met Noah Akhlak, who has cerebral palsy and receives care from EACH. The 16-year-old was joined by his dad, Mal, who said: “We’ve been coming to the hospice for around a year, and it’s made a huge difference to our family.
“The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and whenever Noah comes here for short breaks, we know he’s safe and happy. It gives us a chance to rest, recharge our batteries and take stock, which is so appreciated and much needed. We appreciate that a huge amount of work goes on here, but without fundraising, it’s very difficult to move forward.
“That’s why Happy Christmas Ipswich is vitally important, and we’re extremely grateful to Griff. It was a pleasure to meet him and say thank you on behalf of all families supported here at The Treehouse.”
Last year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich raised a record-breaking £151,500, meaning the event has now raised around £700,000 since the first show in 2019.
Among the acts performing are Sir Lenny Henry and much-loved comedian Chris McCausland, along with presenter and actor Stephen Bailey, comedians Katie Norris, Pravanya Pillay and Charmian Hughes and impressionist Lewis MacLeod. There will also be local talent in the shape of opera group Wild Arts and Bury St Edmunds’ VOCA Community Choir, in addition to what promises to be another memorable performance from families receiving support at The Treehouse.
More acts are set to be announced in the coming weeks, and tickets, which went on sale in the summer, are selling fast. They can still be bought by heading here.
Griff said: “I love coming to The Treehouse because it gives me the opportunity to meet people like Mal and Noah. I’m always moved by the love, dedication and commitment parents have for their children, and that’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about our show.
“The money we raise makes a genuine difference to entire families, not just the children receiving care, and, in terms of funding, this is a charity powered by the people of East Anglia. It’s a fantastic service and one that needs and deserves our full support.”
Happy Christmas Ipswich is supported by local businesses, including headline sponsor Richard Johnston Ltd.
