Charity reception "massive honour" for Location star

Attending a private reception in one of the country’s most stunning historic houses was a real treat for charity patron Phil Spencer.

The journalist and co-presenter of TV’s Location Location Location was able to indulge his passion for property on his first visit to Knole House in Sevenoaks – thanks to hospice charity ellenor. He told Twitter followers it had been a “massive honour”.

The exclusive event, hosted by Lord and Lady Sackville, was aimed at raising awareness – and vital funds – for ellenor, which provides specialist hospice care at home for babies, children and young people.

The charity’s Director of Income Generation Rachel Holweger said the demand for ellenor’s unique children’s hospice care in the home was increasing week on week in Kent.

“We know we are not reaching all those children who need us,” she explained. “We believe there is the same number of families again that could benefit from ellenor but we simply do not have the resources, which is why we have launched our appeal.

ellenor’s Children’s Hospice at Home Appeal, launched last year, aims to raise £1.5 million over three years – to increase the charity’s team of specialist nurses and carers and, in turn, reach more families.

Lord Sackville, who welcomed more than 50 guests into his home on June 8, said: “I had no idea of the range of care ellenor provides to terminally-ill children across Kent and I was particularly taken by the fact that care is provided in the family home.”

“I cannot imagine being in the situation that these families face. To know that they have the support of ellenor is such a huge relief to parents, grandparents and all those involved.”

ellenor’s Chairman of Trustees Mo Tutty and Kent Ambassador Amanda Cottrell OBE told guests about the enormous impact terminal illness has on the whole family, and the need to reach more children locally.

• To make a donation or to find out how to get involved with ellenor’s Children’s Hospice at Home Appeal contact Rachel Holweger at rachel.holweger@ellenor.org or tel:01474 320007