Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales met children and families, saw how major expansion work is progressing and visited a popular fundraising shop and café during special events at two East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) bases.
The EACH Royal Patron returned to The Treehouse, in Ipswich, after officially opening the building in March 2012, on Thursday, 22nd October.
She then met staff, volunteers and customers during a surprise drop-in visit to Café 98, within EACH’s Hoveton shop near Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads.
Work at The Treehouse started earlier this year and the development will include a new hydrotherapy pool, wellbeing and therapies suite, larger care activity area, dedicated teenage space, an additional bedroom and expanded kitchen and dining facilities.
EACH Chief Executive Kevin Clements said: “It was a privilege to welcome The Princess back to The Treehouse, and we continue to be incredibly grateful for her commitment and invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron.
“Both visits represented a fantastic platform to shine a national and international spotlight on our work.
“Such ongoing support makes a tangible difference, and it gave us a wonderful opportunity to provide an update on our exciting plans and the progress of our expansion project.
“I firmly believe it’s one of the most important building developments currently happening in Suffolk and, of course, it represented something of a full-circle moment, as The Princess officially opened our hospice back in 2012.
“As such a champion of children’s hospice services, having the opportunity to show The Princess the development felt like a real milestone and something to be celebrated.
“The visit also gave us an important chance to provide an update on our fundraising endeavours as we continue to drive forward both the expansion project and the provision of vital day-to-day care and support for families.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, together with investment from our reserves, we’ve already made significant progress. However, we still need to raise a further £1.4 million to complete the project by Spring 2028.”
The Princess became EACH’s Royal Patron in January 2012 and writes a powerful message of support during Children’s Hospice Week every June.
In addition to meeting staff and key supporters, she was introduced to children and families receiving care and support, learning more about the services they receive, including music therapy and sensory experiences.
After leaving The Treehouse, Her Royal Highness travelled to Café 98, in Station Road, Hoveton. It is EACH’s first and only café and its name refers to the year Quidenham Children’s Hospice merged with Milton Children’s Hospice, near Cambridge, to become East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
The Princess met Ian Nicolson, EACH’s Director of Retail, along with café manager Morgan-Rose Neary, and heard how the café helps raise essential funds and has become a popular community space since opening in November 2024.
She then met customers, before spending time with volunteers and staff in the shop area.
The Princess also visited the upstairs sorting room, talking to volunteers and hearing more about the vital contribution they make.
“This visit gave us an opportunity to recognise the dedication of volunteers while highlighting the important role played by charity retail and community fundraising in supporting our care,” added Kevin.
“Café 98 is an important part of our operation, while also serving as a valued community hub for local residents, providing a welcoming venue for a range of community groups and activities.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at EACH’s shop and/or cafe in Hoveton is welcome to pop in for a chat or call 01603 369852.
Pictures: Leo Martin (The Treehouse) and Ben Stansall (Hoveton)
