Thanks to all who made it a wonderful Christmas time at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
The end of 2022 marked a very busy time for us at our hospices and beyond, as we had plenty of events for families to come together and make memories over the festive season.
From Grottos, ice skating, feasts and treats, here is a little summary of the wonderful things we got up to, a huge thank you to our amazing staff and supporters who made them all possible.
The festivities began with ice skating at Hampton Court Palace, which was accompanied by a feast and delicious spread from Miss Polly Café. There were over 30 families who came together to enjoy the skating, with a huge thanks to the Arena Group, who run the rinks, Novacyt for sponsoring the event and the amazing staff at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, who looked after everyone on the rink.
The amazing Tom, the snow artist, created a beautiful art piece on the windows at our Guildford hospice, Christopher’s, for everyone to admire; and we welcomed a wealth of visitors including the Surrey Police Federation who arrived with carloads of décor and helped to decorate the hospice.
Following this, was a super Santa Cycle, with over 150 cyclists (and a few dogs!) taking part in the 10th annual Njinga Cycling event. The free-to-join 17km cycle ride set off from Richmond and headed towards our Hampton hospice, Shooting Star House, to deliver some gifts for the children we support.
They weren’t the only ones to drop off some festive cheer, with Danes Hill School, Hogsback Chapter UK, Hell’s Angels Surrey Chapter, Custodians MC England, London Irish Rugby Club, Urban & Grey and Spin Master Global all dropping off presents at our hospices for families to enjoy.
Families also got the chance to visit some magical places, from real life reindeers at a supporter’s home in Churt, to a glorious Santa’s winter wonderland at Woodlarks.
On the topic of Santa, we welcomed a special Santa’s Grotto for supported and bereaved families. They were given the chance to speak to Santa, and even be given a cheeky little present.
On the week of Christmas, we were treated to Carols by Candlelight at Christopher’s as well as a very special performance from theatre company Xmas for Kids. Along with all the events and present drop offs, there have been many kind donations and gifts given by supporters and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s generosity.
As we welcome a new year there are many ways you can help support us as your local children’s hospice charity, allowing us to continue to make every moment count for the families we support. From shopping sustainably at one of our charity shops, kindly donating online, or signing up to one of our events.
