Statement from Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair of Trustees, Greenfingers Charity

"It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the forthcoming closure of Richard House Children’s Hospice.

"For many years, Greenfingers Charity has been privileged to support Richard House in its vital work, bringing comfort, care and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The hospice has been a place of compassion and hope and our gardens there have been a small part of creating moments of peace and joy for those facing the most difficult of circumstances.

We know how much Richard House has meant to the families it has served, and to the wider community. Its closure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in children’s palliative care, and we share in the grief and concern that so many will feel at this news.

"On behalf of Greenfingers Charity, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff, volunteers and supporters of Richard House who have given so much over the years. Their dedication has been an inspiration, and their legacy will live on in the lives they have touched.

"As part of our ongoing commitment, Greenfingers Charity will endeavour to work with Richard House to relocate elements of the gardens we created there to another children’s hospice. In doing so, we hope that the spirit of joy, comfort and connection to nature that those spaces have provided will continue to benefit children and families in need elsewhere.

"Greenfingers Charity remains committed to supporting children’s hospices across the UK, ensuring that outdoor spaces continue to provide comfort and sanctuary where they are most needed. While Richard House may be closing its doors, the spirit of care and compassion it embodied will continue to guide our work."