A CHILDREN’S hospice in Oxford celebrated its 40th anniversary with a ‘magical’ Christmas concert at Christ Church Cathedral.

The evening to mark Helen & Douglas House’s milestone included readings from Anthony Horowitz, Jessica Fellowes and Jeremy Irons, as well as festive performances from professional choir Frideswide Voices and Oxford University and Oxford Brookes a cappella group Out of the Blue.

The hospice off Cowley Road cares for terminally ill children and their families. 

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Clare Periton, chief executive at the hospice, said: “The core of what we do hasn’t changed over the last 40 years which is our commitment to providing world-class palliative care to children and support for their families during the most difficult of times and helping these children live life to the full creating precious memories.

“However, since 1982 we have adapted and developed our care to meet the changing needs of the families we care for and utilised the latest medical advancements to move from a mostly respite-based model to providing more complex medical care where and when the families need this at the hospice, at home and in hospital.

“I would like to thank every member of staff, volunteer and supporter who has been with us on our amazing journey over the last 40 years. You have all had an important contribution to make to improving the lives of children with life shortening conditions.”

On November 30 1982 Helen House officially opened as the world’s first children’s hospice. This special day was the start of the children’s hospice movement.

There are now 54 children’s hospices across the UK and many more across the world, broadly modelled on Helen House in Oxford.

Helen House was inspired by Helen Worswick who in 1978 at the age of two and a half was diagnosed with a brain tumour.  

In 1980 fundraising began with local media coverage and in October 1981, Helen's younger sister Catherine, laid the foundation stone of the hospice.

Just over a year later, in November 1982, Helen House was opened by The Duchess of Kent.

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Catherine Worswick said: “40 years ago the public were inspired by Helen’s story to give generously to support the opening of the world’s first children’s hospice.

“Much has changed in 40 years, but the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families remain constant.

“Today offers a moment to reflect on what Helen inspired, and the enduring love and care which provides the blueprint for children’s hospices to this day.

“But it is also the chance to celebrate the children, families, staff and supporters who have been part of this story, and all who will be alongside families when they need it most for years to come.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi