Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service

On Saturday 10^th June, we had the pleasure of hosting cadets from 5 Platoon Welsh Guards Maidenhead for a fun-filled day for siblings.

The cadets took the lead in organising the day, which began with a parade followed by a demonstration on personal camouflage and concealment. After being shown why it is used and how to apply it, siblings gave it a go at applying it themselves.

Next up the siblings and Alexander’s Care Team were put through their paces in something called ‘Drill and Turnout stand’, with the cadets teaching a basic drill to them.

The rest of the day was packed with informative sessions on Field craft, Field shelters, Field cooking and packing of equipment. It was fascinating to learn about all the equipment, why it is needed and how it is used. The cadets made the day so enjoyable and even added a competitive element at the end of the day with a race to see which sibling could pack all the kit the fastest!

It was a brilliant day and we are delighted that the platoon is keen to make it an annual event at our hospice!

We are proud to announce that the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle, Phil Jones CB CBE DL, and his wife Denise have become patrons of our charity.

Our CEO and Co-Founder, Fiona Devine, asked the couple to be patrons in response to their dedicated and committed support for our charity since the couple moved to Windsor last summer.

As well as helping Alexander Devine with fundraising, they also have keenly supported many of the charity’s events, including its annual Windsor Santa Dash. The couple also hosted a special event on Friday 16^th June for the charity and its supporters in the beautiful Moat Garden in the Norman Tower at Windsor Castle, an area not usually open to the public.

Delighted that Phil and Denise have agreed to become patrons, Fiona Devine shared how their friendship is greatly valued by the charity:

“From the very first time we met Phil and Denise, it was clear they have a passion for our charity’s mission and really understood the vital need for a local children’s hospice service.

Our charity’s values are at the heart of all we do, what we stand for and what we believe in. It is something we very much look for in our patrons and we recognise these qualities in Phil and Denise.

I know that as Alexander Devine’s patrons they will bring so much value to our charity, not just through their generosity to help us raise the vital funds we need, but equally with their experience and connections to help us as we drive forward with growing our children’s hospice service to meet the demand we are facing.

We are absolutely delighted they have agreed to become our patrons and we are very grateful for their continued and special friendship.”

Commenting on his new role as patron, Phil Jones said:

“Denise and I are deeply honoured to be able to offer our support to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service in this way, a vitally important cause which should sit very close to all of our hearts.”

Alexander Devine’s Founder Patron is Sir Michael Parkinson CBE. The charity now has twelve patrons including John Barley BEM, owner of Nirvana Spa, Air Marshall Sir Ian Macfdyen CB OBE, former Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle, and award-winning chocolatier and pastry chef Mark Tilling.

SHOW YOUR BLUE COLOURS THIS JUNE!

The 19^th-25^th June marks the national celebration of Children's Hospices across the UK and we're encouraging our companies to get involved this June. Blue was 8 year old Alexander Devine’s favourite colour. He was the very special boy that inspired our much-needed children's hospice service. So in his memory we #ROCKTHEBLUE together, to raise vital funds and awareness of our charity.

So whether you donate sales of your best blue product, produce a brand new blue creation in aid of our children's hospice or have any other imaginative ideas on how your company could get involved, please do get in touch! The difference BLUE can make really does mean everything to those we support.

Find out more: https://alexanderdevine.org/rocktheblue