Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit

The Duchess was received by the Vice-President, Michael More-Molyneux in his role of HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, before spending time talking to children and families supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and joining in with arts and crafts activities. The Duchess, who officially opened Christopher’s in 2002, also met Julia Lever MBE, Founder of CHASE as the charity was previously known, before visiting the hospice garden to plant a tree to mark her visit.

 

Before departing, The Duchess was presented with a special canvas which had been created by the children. Karen Sugarman MBE, Executive Vice-President at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said, “It was an honour to welcome back our Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh and wonderful to see Her Royal Highness sharing so much time with our supported families. The Duchess always takes the time to show so much compassion and kindness to everyone she meets at the charity and her visit today will make such precious memories for everyone here.”

The Duchess has supported Shooting Star Children’s Hospices for over 20 years, most recently visiting the west London hospice, Shooting Star House, in Hampton in 2022 and volunteered her time, helping staff and volunteers at two of the charity shops in Weybridge and Hampton Hill in 2020.