Julia's House pay tribute to patron John le Carré
It was announced yesterday (Monday 14th December) that the author had died
Dorset and Wiltshire children's hospice charity, Julia's House, have paid tribute to John le Carré.
The Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy author became a patron of the charity in April this year having been a supporter for a while.
A spokesperson for Julia's House said:
"We were all very sad to hear of the death of our patron, John le Carré, at the weekend. He has been a supporter of Julia's House for a number of years, regularly reading at our carol service, and we were delighted when he officially became a patron earlier this year.
In his own works he explained his connection to use - Julia's House has a rare and special claim on me that I find hard to describe, perhaps it is to do with having been so lucky in our own family, with one or two minor exceptions when compared to the brave, sad misfortunes that Julia's House confronts daily. I am honoured to become a patron of the charity.
John has played a hugely valuable role in sharing the work of Julia's House and providing his support - most recently he recorded a beautiful reading for our Christmas Cracker virtual concert. He will be much missed by everyone here. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
HOSPICE REOPENS
The charity have also announced their hospice in Devizes has reopened for the first time since March.
It shut it's doors due to the UK lockdown and has been closed ever since because of infection control requirements.
Instead, the charity's nurses and carers had to support families by visiting their homes or virtually through video calls.
However, they have now been able to welcome children back to the site, on a one-to-one basis where they can play with a nurse while their parents get a well earned rest.
Ellie Humphries, who had a brain tumour when she was just six months old and is the face of this year's Christmas appeal, was the first person to enjoy a session at the Wiltshire base.
It's not quite business as usual as a lot the play equipment has had to be removed to ensure the hospice is COVID-safe, but more one-to-one visits are planned.
Director of Care for Julia's House, Claire Hudson-Cooper said:
"We're incredibly proud to be able to open the hospice safely again. We've been liaising with the families we care for and listening to their feedback so we know how best to support them not just physically but emotionally. The Julia's House care team has worked incredibly hard to provide support in family homes over the summer months, but it has involved a lot of lone working. It's wonderful to feel more a bit more connected again and to see the fun and laughter return to the hospice."
You can support the charity's Christmas appeal by visiting www.juliashouse.org/Ellie.