Charity Champions

Delivery line manager Pat McKenna, from Woolwich delivery office, and Medway postman and community champion, Tim Hyde, attended a reception at the House of Commons to celebrate 10 years of Demelza Children’s Hospice working in South-East London.

The amazing people at Demelza have been providing care to children and young people with serious and terminal conditions since 1998 ensuring ‘they can live the most fulfilling life they can, and they and their families have the opportunity to build memories, for however long they have together’.

Ellie Reeves, Labour MP for Lewisham West and Penge, gave the introductory speech at the reception praising the incredible work of the hospice caring for children and their families across South-East London and East Sussex.

Patrick has supported Demelza Children’s Hospice for at least 15 years with events ranging from charity nights, raising thousands of pounds, to Easter Egg collections and Christmas activities.

‘Demelza Children’s Hospice is based in Sittingbourne and there is also another one in my hometown, Eltham,’ said Patrick. ‘I have visited both sites and the care and support given by the staff and volunteers there is no less than exceptional.

‘The reception in Parliament was celebrating 10 years of children's hospice care in Eltham, South-East London and a chance for staff and supporters to meet socially. We were delighted to meet former Bucks Fizz singer, Cheryl Baker, who was there as a patron for Demelza. Tim and I have some great plans for the future to continue to fundraise for the hospice.’

Tim said: ‘It was a lovely uplifting evening meeting parents, families, friends and Demelza staff. It was a real privilege to hear some great stories of how the money we have raised over the years has been used so that they can enjoy time together as a family, for as long as they have.’