A mum whose daughter receives care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) delivered a heartfelt thank you to the charity’s volunteers during a special event in Newmarket.
Nine-year-old Winnie Heath is one of only 15 children in the world known to have a variation of the CDK8 gene. She also has a congenital heart defect and epilepsy, is unable to walk or talk and is blind.
Winnie and her family, from Saffron Walden, receive care and support from EACH at Milton, and mum Fiona was invited to speak during a volunteer thank you day at Newmarket Racecourse.
She said: “I had such a lovely day, and it was very humbling and enjoyable to speak to so many wonderful volunteers.
“These people could turn their back and say ‘it’s not my problem’. Instead, selflessly, they choose to give their time and offer their support in so many ways – making a contribution that, in turn, directly helps families like mine.
“I was very pleased to be invited, and it was important for me to pass on my thanks and tell them just how much we appreciate everything they do.”
More than 100 supporters attended the event, and, as well as hearing Fiona’s poignant, emotive talk, they met staff and trustees, heard updates, enjoyed lunch together and took part in a fun Antiques Roadshow game.
To give them a flavour of the type of thing children and families experience, they also used art materials and musical instruments to participate in a multi-sensory rainforest-themed activity with Katherine Walters, Lead Arts Therapist at Milton.
Among those to convey his thanks and share valuable insight into the care delivered by EACH was Mike Higgins, Service Manager at Milton.
“It was the first time I’d been to one of these days but a fantastic experience and lovely opportunity to show my appreciation,” he said.
“It was a great reminder of the wonderful people that generously commit their time to support us.
“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be in a position to deliver the very best world-class care and support for children, young people and families across East Anglia.”
The volunteers help in various ways, including giving their time to support EACH’s care, facilities, fundraising and events teams. Many others help in one of the charity’s popular shops.
The Newmarket thank you day, which took place on 7th November, followed hot on the heels of similar events at Norwich City and Ipswich Town Football Clubs.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
