Supporters and families using the local children’s hospice charity have been doing their bit to support the charity this Children’s Hospice Week by raising over £7,000 by taking part in its Challenge 46 campaign. 

The local hospice charity called on its communities to help raise much needed funds to help towards providing care at its children’s hospice Little Havens during the campaign in June. 

Challenge 46 took place between Monday 21st and Sunday 27th June challenging supporters to complete a fundraising activity based around the number 46. The charity chose the number 46 because it costs £46,000 each week to provide care at Little Havens Hospice based in Thundersley which provides specialist palliative and supportive care to children and young people either at the hospice or within the home.  

One child supported by Little Havens who took part in the Challenge 46 fundraiser is two year old Edward Ruta from Leigh-on-Sea. During Children’s Hospice Week Edward completed 46 press-ups as part of his physio exercises and so far he has raised an incredible £2,799 through sponsorship from family and friends.  

Edward has Spina Bifida and a number of other complex conditions meaning he needs round-the-clock care. Along with his twin brother George and parents Katy and Rob, he has been coming to Little Havens since earlier this year.  

Mum Katy said, “Edward’s ‘Challenge 46’ is his way of saying thank you to Little Havens and helping to raise money for the hospice so they can be there for other families just like ours. 

“What some people would think is scary has become our norm. I’m using all my energy to care for Edward and make life as normal as I can for the boys, and that’s where Little Havens comes in. 

“Little Havens takes some of the worries off me, they look after Edward doing all of his medical needs as well as making sure he is having fun. This gives me time to spend with George, Edward’s twin brother, as I often feel guilty not being able to spend as much one to one time with him when I’m caring for Edward. 

“The hospice is the most inclusive place I’ve ever been, they are there not just for Edward but for all of us. I never need to ask them to do anything, they know exactly how to help and care for Edward.” 

The last few weeks have been a frightening time for Katy and her family as Edward has been undergoing scans and tests. Katy continued, “If it wasn’t for knowing we have Little Havens I don’t know how we would have coped with the stress over the last few weeks, but because of them I feel like I can carry on. I know next month is going to be hard as we more scans and hospital appointments coming up. But we also have Little Havens, who invite us in, hold us tight and help us to cope. 

“We’ve only been going to Little Havens for a few months but I feel so overwhelmed at the help they have given to our family already. I feel I can never say thank you enough for the difference they are making in our lives.  

Cerena Ashwell, Challenges Fundraiser at Havens Hospices said, “This incredible amount of money will go towards our fundraising target of raising £46,000 and the money is still coming in strong from our amazing supporters. Thank you so much to every supporter and family who has taken part so we can continue to provide our specialist hospice care and support to every child and young person who needs us like Edward.   

“Whilst a lot of people may feel their lives have been put on hold due to the pandemic, palliative nursing and hospice care has not stopped and Little Havens has continued to provide care to hundreds of children and families during these difficult times when they needed it most. This is care can only continue thanks to the support of our incredible community so thank you.” 

To sponsor Edward’s fundraising efforts in support of Little Havens please visit https://havenshospices.enthuse.com/pf/katy-ruta 

To find out more about Little Havens and they care it provides to babies, children and young people please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk  

Published 2nd July 2021