For many years both the Lady and Men’s Captains of the Upminster Golf Club have raised money for different charities and this year they chose Little Havens Hospice as their Charity of the Year. Little Havens Hospice, based in Thundersley, provides palliative nursing and supportive care to babies, children and teenagers and their families across Essex.

This summer the choir called ‘Que Sera’, had planned a summer concert to raise vital funds before the lockdown caused them to cancel the event and stop rehearsing together. However, the choir’s leader Gill Cook, and their musical technician Mike Simmons had another idea and decided that the choir should record a song virtually to raise money for Little Havens instead.

The song they chose to record was ‘Love Shine a Light’ by Katrina and The Waves and to date the video has raised over £2,400.

Debbie Herrington, Upminster Golf Club’s Lady Captain said, “It was such a shame when the girls had to stop rehearsing due to the lockdown but everyone still really wanted to support the charity during these difficult times and Mike and Gill came up with this fantastic idea to record a charity song online instead.

“The care Little Havens provides to so many children and their families is amazing and the decision to support this charity was a very easy one. After visiting the hospice a few months back, we were truly humbled by the commitment shown by the staff and volunteers – it’s a wonderful place.

“Since November last year, the club has organised a variety of fundraising activities raising an incredible total of over £10,000. Neil Packer, the Men’s Captain, and I have been amazed at the response and all generosity shown by our members and we can’t thank everyone enough. We hope to continue raising as much as we possibly can for the charity, especially during these difficult times.”

Emma Hamilton, Voluntary Income Team Leader at Havens Hospices said, “The support and generosity the Upminster Golf Club has shown to Little Havens has been so heart-warming – the song they have recorded is beautiful and sends such a positive message during these times.

“We must raise over £40,000 each week to be there for every baby, child and teenager who needs us, and our care can only exist because of the support and generosity from the community. Thank you to everyone at the golf club who has contributed to raising over £10,000 for the charity.”

The demand for the charity’s care is growing, just as their income is decreasing. Little Havens remains open, having adapted how they operate in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Little Havens is caring for children with complex medical or social needs being discharged from hospital and providing end of life care.

Havens Hospices care remains free thanks to kind donations from supporters and an interim grant from the government via Hospice UK.

To view the song click here or to make a donation, visit their JustGiving page here.