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“We were very proud and happy to be asked. It’s a real privilege” – Pat and Callum cut the ribbon as EACH opens its new shop in Frinton

A proud mum whose teenage son receives vital care from a leading children’s hospice described it as a “privilege” to open the charity’s new shop. Pat Mack and 15-year-old son Callum Van-as cut the ribbon at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Connaught Avenue, Frinton.

The grand opening took place this morning and Pat and Callum, who live in Frinton, were picked because of the care and support they receive at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.

The latter has CDKL5 – a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by uncontrollable seizures, low muscle tone and developmental challenges.

“We were very proud and happy to be asked,” said Pat, who is married to Justin.

“It’s a real privilege and the shop is going to be a lovely addition to Connaught Avenue. For us, it’s great EACH now has a presence right here in our town, in Frinton.

“We love living here and always said that if ever we had the opportunity, we wanted to move close to the seaside. We thought it would create a happier, heathier life for Callum.”

Callum, who is non-verbal and attends Shorefields School, in Clacton, enjoys day care and short breaks at The Treehouse. He has also benefitted from music therapy.

He has been having seizures all his life but the condition was only detected when he was seven. They last from ten seconds to four minutes. Pat, 56, receives counselling from the charity and says she is grateful for the support her family receives.

“We’ve had so much help since moving here four year ago,” she said.

“The Treehouse is a lovely place, especially compared to another hospice we used previously. It beats it by miles. Everyone is so helpful and friendly and there’s always someone on hand to give us advice, either in person or on the phone.”

New volunteers are welcome to join the team in Frinton. Either pop into the shop, call 01255 440848 or email volunteerservices@each.org.uk

EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and, this year alone, needs to raise £7.8 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

To read more about Callum, click here.

Notes to Editors

“EACH has made us all feel part of an extended family and, thanks to staff and fellow families, we’re not alone with problems. We always leave The Treehouse feeling positive, stronger and thankful.”

  • We care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and support their families.
  • We offer families flexibility and control over where they receive their care and support, including where their child dies – at home, in hospital or at one of three hospices at Milton (Cambridge), The Nook (Norfolk) and The Treehouse (Ipswich).
  • Our family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management support, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies and counselling, all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family.
  • We are recognised as leaders in our field, with a reputation for excellence and commitment to pioneering development and innovation.
  • We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and this year need to raise £5.8 million from fundraising and £6.5 million in income from our shops. The year before the pandemic we received just 16% of our total income from statutory sources.
  • EACH Royal Patron –Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
  • For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds,visit each.org.uk or call our Suffolk fundraisers on 01473 917965.

Keep in touch:

www.each.org.uk
www.twitter.com/EACH_hospice
www.facebook.com/EACHhospices
www.instagram.com/eachhospices
www.linkedin.com/company/eachhospices


For further information about this release please contact:

Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk

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