On Wednesday, 26th November, Ferne McCann visited Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Thundersley, where she toured the hospice and met with families who shared how vital Little Havens’ specialist care and support is to them.

During her visit, she spent time speaking with care staff about the personalised, compassionate support they provide babies, children and young people, from symptom management and respite breaks to end-of-life care. She also met several families who rely on Little Havens, hearing first-hand about the difference the hospice makes, enabling them to create precious memories with their children.

Ferne learned more about the hospice’s Christmas Appeal, Make Your Mark, a campaign inspired by Lucy Layzell, one of Little Havens’ nurses, who unexpectedly found herself needing the charity’s care and support. Lucy has spent her career supporting children and families through end-of-life journeys at Little Havens, but when her best friend Bex became a patient at Fair Havens, their adult hospice, she experienced the charity’s care from the other side. This experience has inspired Lucy to lead the Christmas campaign and call on her local community to support the hospice.

Meeting the families who rely on Little Havens free specialist care and support has inspired Ferne to support their ‘Make Your Mark’ appeal throughout December, helping to raise awareness and inspire much-needed donations so Little Havens can continue providing its care to those who need it across Essex.

Sophia Hart, 10, from Loughton, was one of the children who had the chance to meet Ferne and share just how much Little Havens means to her. Sophia said, “I love coming to Little Havens because everything is possible! Children can just be children and parents can chill out for a few hours. It was great to be able to explain to Fearne how much this means to children like me, and I felt like Fearne instantly understood how important Little Havens is for families. I felt very lucky to have been able to discuss Wicked, Traitors and Pizza with Fearne and look forward to seeing her again soon!”

Another family who sat down to talk to Ferne was Kayleigh Cartwright, 33, from Canvey Island, and her 2-year-old daughter Emily-Rose, who are supported by Little Havens. She said “Little Havens Hospice means more to us than words can truly express. For Emily-Rose, it is a place that allows her to be herself, supported, safe, and surrounded by people who genuinely care.

“When Ferne McCann visited Little Havens, it felt incredibly surreal. Seeing someone so well-known supporting a place that means so much to our family was both exciting and deeply touching. Her presence will bring even more awareness to the amazing work Little Havens does and meeting her in person made the day feel extra special.

“It was one of those moments that will stays with you. a reminder of how many people care about families like ours and want to help shine a light on the support we receive.”

Talking about her visit to Little Havens, Ferne said, “Being an Essex girl and just up the road, I know about the incredible work Little Havens does and the support they provide for so many families and children in need in our community.

“Walking in, I was struck by the joy, laughter, and happiness here, it’s such a warm, welcoming, and fun place. I had so many moments where I’ve been laughing out loud with the families, it’s nothing like what people expect a children’s hospice to be like. It’s been a night that I will never forget, getting the chance to talk just mother to mother made me emotional thinking of my two girls at home.

“I’m lost for words about the Care Team there, they are like human angels. They are remarkable, they have so much love, compassion and skills for every child and family they support.

“Being a mum, it’s just unimaginable. But just to know that Little Havens is there for families, to provide that love and support when they are told the most devastating news, that is why I’m supporting the charity this Christmas.

“They need our support more than ever. You never know when someone you love might need the care and support Little Havens provides. So, by supporting them today, we’re making sure they are always there for every family who needs the love and care now, and in the future.

“I’ve seen and heard firsthand how Little Havens really is such a lifeline for Essex, and I feel so privileged to help support them in raising the vital funds needed. I really hope that Essex will be part of their Make Your Mark appeal by donating or supporting Little Havens in any way they can this Christmas. I know how much it will mean to everyone there.”

This Christmas, every 24 hours of specialist care at Little Havens will cost over £7,217. The hospice relies heavily on the local community’s support so is asking them to Make Your Mark by donating and fundraising to help lift their care this festive season.

To find out how you can Make Your Mark, visit  https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/christmas/

Published on 2nd December 2025