Year 5 children had the most wonderful time getting to know the patients and staff at the Garden House Hospice this term.

Each visit gave them a new and exciting experience. The first visit included some ‘getting to know you activities’, a tour of the hospice including the garden, the wards, the day centre and a very special bath! A quiz came next where the children learned about the work of the hospice and how much money is needed to keep the hospice running each year (including how much actually has to come from charitable donations).

Dia de los Muertos was the theme for the next visit, where the children learned how we can all learn from the traditions of this Mexican festival – remembering happy times and celebrating life. The children decorated biscuits with their new friends, which had been kindly made by one of the day visitors at the centre. We also managed to get some chair exercise in – the children enjoyed taking part and were surprised at how hard the exercises were!

On our final day at the hospice, a pass the parcel type quiz gave children the chance to see and handle some of the equipment that is commonly used in hospitals and hospices. Then, the children entertained the patients with a variety of jokes and a violin and guitar recital. Harry the Hospice bear even came out to give special badges and gift bags to the children along with some high fives and hugs!

The visits were full of laughter and joy but also gave important messages about the work of hospitals and hospices, the value and need for charity and the gifts of kindness, sharing and giving. The children were, as always, an absolute credit to William Ransom School and the patients loved getting to know them.

We are hoping to take another group of Year 5 children in the summer term.