'We still grieve for Ivan', says Samantha Cameron as she backs new children’s hospice centre in Barnet

Samantha Cameron with hospice patient 11-year-old Alonso
Alex Lentati
Ross Lydall @RossLydall26 September 2017

Samantha Cameron today helped start construction of the first children’s hospice for north and central London.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is building a £6.2 million residential unit in Barnet to increase its support for the 1,200 babies and children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions in its catchment area, which also includes Hertsmere.

It already provides care and support at home for 200 children a year but wants to increase the help it can offer to children with terminal illness and their families.

Mrs Cameron said: “When my son Ivan died we were devastated, and we will always remain so. It’s something no parent should have to go through.

“The Ark will provide a peaceful place in which to take care of children and their families as they face death, but it will also be an environment for children, their siblings and parents to enjoy life and make magical memories together.”

David and Samantha Cameron with their son Ivan, who died aged six in 2009
PA Archive/PA Images

Mrs Cameron met Noah’s Ark patients including Alonso, 11, who has short-gut syndrome and has had 46 operations. The charity has helped him and his family since he was a baby. The charity needs £2 million to complete the hospice, which is due to open by March 2019, and today launched an appeal for donors to give an hour’s salary.

It will offer palliative care, a drop-in facility, and will host family activity days.

Rose Charles lost her grandson Ben to a rare genetic condition in 2014 and cares for his sister Sophie, 11, who has the same diagnosis. “We need to provide a comforting, familiar and dignified place for families, especially when they are going through that final transition,” she said.

“End-of-life care and overnight stays are so vital to families like ours, but sadly Noah’s Ark wasn’t able to provide them for Ben. My hope is that the new hospice building will be there in time for Sophie.”

Ru Watkins, chief executive of Noah’s Ark, said: “While we will continue our Hospice-at-Home services, The Ark will enable us to provide more care for the children and families who most need it.”

Alison Goodman, director of income generation, said: “I ask anyone who is moved by the children and families we support to join us now in giving an hour’s salary to build The Ark in time for children like Sophie.”

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