London children's hospice at risk of closure

Mum Kareema and son Jayden are two of 300 who benefit from the hospice

Some of the most vulnerable babies and children in London face being sent home from hospital without the expert care they need, as a funding crisis threatens the capital's first and oldest children's hospice.

For 25 years, Richard House, in Newham, east London, has been providing specialist care for children with complex life-limiting conditions, many of whom have just days to live.

All come from some of the most deprived areas of London, including Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and parts of Barking and Dagenham.

The hospice says the combined impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the pandemic and soaring inflation has had a devastating effect on fundraising efforts.

Mum Kareema says the hospice provides a vital service for her

Jayden, who is nearly 15, has an extremely rare life-limiting condition, Lowe syndrome, which only a handful of people in the UK have.

His mum Kareema Motala from Tower Hamlets says the service is vital.

"Unless you have a child that is severely disabled or you know someone and you've watched it, you cannot at all appreciate the amount of need and care that is behind that.

"For me, it's 24-7 care. It's literally everything that needs to be done. It has to be done by one or two carers at all times."

More than 300 families across London make use of Richard House, its gardens and play area.

Less than a third of its funding comes from the NHS - with the rest coming from donations.

The cost of living crisis has seen some of that dry up and Richard House says it is now in a position where it may soon have to turn away some families.

CEO Paul Richards they need to urgently plug a funding gap by the end of the year

Paul Richards, CEO of Richard House, said: "The figures are stark. We need to find £1.2m before the end of the year.

"We've managed to raise some of those funds already through our own initiatives, but there's a further £338,000 to find before December.

"We're at the point where we are very seriously looking at having to turn people away."

Anne Biggs says the loss of care would be devastating

Anne Biggs, director of care and family services at Richard House, said: "We have stood beside parents as they've faced the unimaginable.

"I have witnessed bravery that takes your breath away - not just from our children, but from their siblings, their parents, and our staff.

"To not care for these children would be utterly devastating. The service we deliver is truly excellent – and irreplaceable."