Ronald McDonald House Evelina London, serving Evelina London Children’s Hospital, received a helping hand this week, when the Mayor of Islington Councillor Marian Spall dropped in to help decorate the House Christmas tree in time for the festive season.
The ‘Decorate in December’ event, on Thursday 1 December, was one of 12 taking place simultaneously in Ronald McDonald Houses around the UK. The special annual occasion is an opportunity for all Houses, which provide free accommodation to families with a child in hospital, to ‘deck the halls’ on the same day. VIPs are invited to join in and be part of this shared, UK-wide festive event.
Volunteers from Alliance London, based in Canary Wharf, and members of staff from WeWork came to the Evelina London House to help decorating the reception area and tree. The previous day, volunteers from Coca-Cola decorated the dayroom and provided Christmas crafts and activities for the families to enjoy.
Richard Francis, House Manager at Ronald McDonald House Evelina London said: “The idea is to create excitement among staff, families, and supporters and to invite local politicians and dignitaries to show them just how special our Charity is. It’s a great way to raise awareness but above all, it’s about bringing some much-needed festive cheer and merriment to families who’re going through the most difficult of times, especially at this time of year when family is so important.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is an independent Charity, which operates 14 Houses across England, Wales, and Scotland, providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation. The Houses keep families together, close to their children in hospital. They provide a place to sleep, cook and retain some sense of normal life; a lifeline for families at a very stressful time, especially when they are far from home. A Ronald McDonald House saves each family an average of £1,240 in out-of-pocket accommodation expenses.
Councillor Marian Spall, who has chosen Ronald McDonald House Charities UK as one of her mayor’s charities, said: “I was delighted to lend a hand in the House and see for myself how wonderful this facility is. Ronald McDonald House Moorfields is in the borough I represent, and it is my privilege to be able to support the Charity.
“Whilst Christmas is a happy time for many, childhood accidents and illnesses still happen, and that’s why this Charity is so important. It’s been fantastic getting to see the Evelina London House prepare for Christmas. The staff and volunteers I’ve met both here and at the Moorfields House are so passionate and really do go the extra mile to make it a ‘home away from home’ for families in their time of need. I hope the Christmas tree helps to bring some joy to the families staying here over the coming weeks.”
Ronald McDonald House Evelina London is a purpose-built 59-bedroom House at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in the London Borough of Lambeth. Originally a 20-bedroom House near London Bridge, the new House, which opened in December 2016, has been developed with a significant contribution from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity provided the land. The House is located just a five-minute walk from the hospital, helping families to be as close as possible to their child.
Richard added: “We’re very proud of our House and having the opportunity to throw open the doors and invite people in to help us decorate our Christmas tree was fantastic. We’re hugely grateful to Councillor Spall for taking the time to help us bring some Christmas spirit to the House; it really means the world to the families staying here.”
