Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has praised the "extraordinary" work of children’s hospice workers.
The 35-year-old royal – who has three-year-old son Prince George and two-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte with her husband Prince William – has recorded a heartfelt video message in celebration of Children’s Hospice Week, where she praised the work carried out by staff and volunteers in children’s hospices as they provide "professional support and care" to children with life limiting conditions.
Speaking in the video, Catherine – who is the royal patron for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) – said: "For any parent, being told that your child may have a life limiting condition or may die young will be one of the most difficult and isolating experiences you can face. Having someone to help you come to terms with this news and the professional support and care that comes with this can make an enormous difference. It can help families make the most of every precious moment they have together.
"As patron of EACH, I have seen the incredible difference that children’s hospice and pallet of care services can make for children, young people, and their families.
"Across the UK, more than 49,000 children and young people have life limiting conditions. For these families, having expert care and support is vital, and this is what children’s hospices provide. They deliver first class care in a safe environment, that feels as close to home as possible, full of colour, warmth, love, and support."
And the brunette beauty closed her video message by encouraging other people to help "shine a light" on the "dedicated and inspirational" work carried out by hospice workers.
She continued: "Today, as we mark the beginning of Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you’ll join me in shining a light on the dedicated and inspirational staff and volunteers, and the lifeline services they provide for children and their families. The work they do is extraordinary, and it really does make a world of difference."
Catherine’s message was recorded during a visit to an EACH centre in Quidenham in January, where she met with the children and families that are in need of the centre’s support.
Duchess Catherine praises ‘extraordinary’ hospice workers
