On 14 May, as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, a group of 50 employees from Aon, the global professional services firm, volunteered their time at Little Havens to support the upkeep of the hospice gardens and outdoor spaces.

The day saw volunteers carrying out a range of outdoor work, including cleaning pathways, painting, installing non-slip foot treads, weeding and general grounds clearance.

Aon, which specialises in risk management, insurance brokerage, reinsurance, and human capital consulting, has been a long-term supporter of Little Havens. Over the past 22 years, the company has raised more than £185,000 for the charity, while also taking part in and sponsoring events, as well as volunteering their time.

Aon, Chelmsford Charity Committe says, “We’re incredibly proud to support Little Havens and the vital work they do for children and families across our community.

Volunteering days like this are a meaningful way for our colleagues to give back, working together to create and maintain a safe, welcoming outdoor space for those who need it most. Our long-standing partnership with Little Havens is something we deeply value, and we’re delighted to continue supporting them both through fundraising and hands-on volunteering.”

Alongside Aon, Essex-based tool, equipment and powered access hire company Mark1Hire provided commercial-grade machinery and equipment free of charge to support the volunteer activity as part of its ‘45 for 45’ initiative.

Alan Ball, Director of Mark1Hire says, “Mark One Hire have been part of the community in Essex for 45 Years this year. The business has grown from the corner of a local Ironmongers in Hockley to having 4 Hire Centres across Essex along with specialist centres focussed on Powered Access, Plant Hire and Training.

The 45 for 45 community commitments are our way of giving back to the community we call home. We are so honoured to be able to support Little Havens through this initiative as they do extraordinary work for families in our community. By lending our equipment to help restore their gardens, we hope to have created a space where families can come together and enjoy special moments this summer.”

The hospice gardens are an integral part of Little Havens, often the first thing families see when they arrive. The gardens give families a calm and beautiful outside environment to spend time and make memories.

Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Thundersley, part of Havens Hospices, provides specialist care to babies, children and young adults living with incurable conditions. It relies heavily on volunteers, who save the charity around £1.8 million each year. Support from local businesses such as Aon and Mark1Hire plays a vital role in helping to keep the hospice grounds a calm and beautiful outdoor environment.

If you are part of a business and would like to volunteer time to help Little Havens please, visit https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/helping-hands-volunteering/

Published 3rd June 2026