Dance troupes, ponies and a big turn out

Martin House’s Open Day welcomes hundreds of visitors

Over 400 people headed down to Boston Spa’s Martin House Children’s Hospice last weekend, as the charity marked the start of National Hospice Care Week.

Celebrity ambassador, Christine Talbot, was on hand to help welcome the crowds, alongside representatives from West Yorkshire Police and Thomson Airlines. Entertainment on the day was provided by local dance troupe, Scala Kids.

As well as visits from Nuzzlets farm and Penny’s Miniature Ponies, guests enjoyed guided tours of the hospice and grounds and were able to listen to guest speakers, including Martin House parent Roger Fielding, on the hospice’s vital work across the region.

Martin House Chaplain, Mark Clayton, said: “The theme of this year’s Hospice Care Week is, ‘Hospice Care is…’ and this open day has been a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our work, not only that provided at the hospice itself but in the community and in families’ own homes.

“It is important to us as an organisation to be able to show supporters how their money has made Martin House what it is today.

“We were privileged to see many new supporters join us and we look forward to everyone’s continued support as we celebrate our thirtieth year next year.”

Martin House provides family-led care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

The registered charity supports over 420 families and 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.

The hospice, based in Boston Spa, has nine bedrooms in Martin House, and six in Whitby Lodge, which cares for teenagers and young adults up to the age of 30 (and sometimes beyond).

Services include respite stays, symptom control, emergency care, community care and end of life care.

Bereavement support is also offered to families, often for two to three years after their child’s death whether the family had the opportunity to use the hospice or not.

There is no cost to any of the families using the services which cost in excess of £6 million a year to be carried out - the majority of which comes from voluntary donations and fundraising.

You can find out more about the work of Martin House and upcoming events at www.martinhouse.org.uk