Seriously ill children and families supported by Haven House Children’s Hospice got a festive boost on Saturday at a drive-through Christmas grotto.

Ilford Recorder: Santa and his elves.Santa and his elves. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Christmas is such a special time for Haven House but the pandemic this year meant that hospice staff had to put a slight twist on the annual family party and Santa’s grotto.

Ilford Recorder: Children received specially-selected presented donated by Harry Kane.Children received specially-selected presented donated by Harry Kane. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Families were welcomed to a Covid-safe wonderland drive-through at the Woodford Green hospice – where they were greeted in the safety of their cars by the man himself, his elf helpers and of course snow!

Ilford Recorder: The Woodford Green children's hospice put a twist on Santa's grotto this year to keep it safe and socially distanced.The Woodford Green children's hospice put a twist on Santa's grotto this year to keep it safe and socially distanced. (Image: Aasam Alim)

And for an added bit of sparkle – the children and their siblings were all treated to a gift which had kindly been bought by the England football team captain Harry Kane.

Ilford Recorder: Each child got a present selected just for them.Each child got a present selected just for them. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Harry grew up near to the hospice and knows well the vital lifeline the hospice provides to local families.

Ilford Recorder: Santa and an elf.Santa and an elf. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Director of care Eileen White said: “Time spent as a family is precious, more so at Christmas, and even more so when a child, is seriously ill or has a life-threatening condition. We knew Christmas wouldn't be the same this year due to the pandemic, and as so many of the children we support are vulnerable, they wouldn't be able to see Santa in person.

Ilford Recorder: Each child who came to the wonderland drive-through received a gift which was generously bought by England captain Harry Kane.Each child who came to the wonderland drive-through received a gift which was generously bought by England captain Harry Kane. (Image: Aasam Alim)

“As a team we wanted to go above and beyond to still offer something special to our families and to give them the greatest gift of all - time together and happy memories. We were pleased we were able to offer this alternative during this time and still bring the spirit of Christmas to our families.”


Ilford Recorder: One of the children delighted to see Santa.One of the children delighted to see Santa. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Like many charities - the pandemic has had a significant impact on fundraising for services at Haven House. But, with the help of community volunteers, gift donations and a bit of creativity the hospice was able to keep up its Christmas tradition.

Ilford Recorder: Each child got a present selected just for them.Each child got a present selected just for them. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Mum Michelle Thomas, whose four-year-old daughter Annabelle, receives support from the hospice, said: “Annabelle had a wonderful surprise today as we took her to the Haven House drive through Santa. So many children may miss out this year and we couldn’t thank them more for doing amazing things like this.”

Ilford Recorder: Santa and his elves.Santa and his elves. (Image: Aasam Alim)

Mum-of-four Menaz Patel said the gifts for her children were perfectly chosen and they thrilled to receive them and see Santa.

Ilford Recorder: Santa and an elf taking a break after handing out presents all day.Santa and an elf taking a break after handing out presents all day. (Image: Aasam Alim)