Simon Cowell and patrons meet with bereaved families

On Friday 24^th May, Vice President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, Simon Cowell and Patron Lauren Silverman joined families supported by the charity for afternoon tea at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Fellow Vice President Dame Joan Collins, Patrons Jackie and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, The Chase’s ‘The Governess’ Anne Hegerty, plus legendary children’s favourite Basil “Boom Boom” Brush were also in attendance to show their support.

Simon has supported Shooting Star Children’s Hospices since 2003 and held his first annual afternoon tea in 2012. He became Vice President of the charity in 2015. His long-term partner, Lauren Silverman also became Patron that year.

Simon Cowell, Vice President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, said: “The afternoon tea is something myself and Lauren look forward to every year. It’s so humbling to see first-hand the brilliant work Shooting Star Children’s Hospices do, but most importantly it’s a chance to meet the brave and amazing families who are supported by the charity. The tea was all about creating special memories and moments for everyone.”

Karen Sugarman, Executive Vice President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, said: “I cannot thank Simon, Lauren and the Royal Lancaster enough for putting on such a wonderful event for the families in attendance – thank you to everyone who has shown their support and helped us to create some wonderful memories. Days like this enable us to give bereaved siblings and parents the opportunity to spend some quality time together, which is so important.”

Nigel Harding, Chief Executive of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, said: “The support Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides to families is crucial. We understand that everybody deals with grief differently and that’s why it’s important for us to offer comprehensive support, both practically and emotionally, to all the families we work with. Events like the afternoon tea enable families to spend quality time together and we feel so honoured to have the support in person from our Vice Presidents, Patrons and special guests.”