For two years Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton have been unable to use their Day Room, but with the help of the BBC One Show and Children in Need they finally have the heart of their hospice back, and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Richard House have been offering respite and support for seriously ill children and their families for over 20 years. In that time the Day Room has been an essential part of hospice life, hosting family activities, mums’ groups and providing a safe space for young people to play and explore. In 2020 the room was closed off indefinitely and without the funds to replace the old flooring, the hospice lost its heart. Instead, activities were forced to share space in the dining room – a busy and cramped thoroughfare of the hospice.

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Now a group of young people from Children in Need, called the Surprise Squad have come in to give the room a new lease of life. The results of their efforts were shown on the One Show on Thursday evening with host Alex Jones. As well as replacing the flooring, they added a Spotacular feature wall based on Pudsey Bears famous polka dots and zoned the room with sensory equipment, a role play area and a space for arts and crafts. The renovations were revealed to staff and families, who celebrated the new room with Pudsey Bear himself, the Surprise Squad and One Show presenter Alex Jones. The families were also treated to entertainment from The Bubby Lady so they could begin enjoying the new space immediately.

About the renovation, Family Services Manager, Carol Butwell said,

“We cannot thank the Surprise Squad and the whole team at Children in Need and The One Show enough for giving us back our day room. Now the space can once again be enjoyed by families, whether they are coming to Richard House for a family party, day care or staying for respite.”

Emma Phillips, mum to three-year-old Alexander said “We have been coming to Richard House since Alexander was a baby. Most of our activities have been in the dining room and as Alexander has got older the space has become cramped and not allowed him to run around and let off steam. I am so excited to be able to bring him to this new space, where he can play and explore safely.”