During the current crisis, Richard House will be remaining open to provide vital support to the NHS. As hospitals focus on COVID-19 patients we will be taking children with long term conditions from hospitals, both to provide more beds in hospitals for the NHS effort, and also to provide a more safe environment for children with long term conditions. More than ever it is vital that Richard House is able to provide care these families and children, many of who are the most vulnerable and at risk in the present crisis.

Richard House Children's Hospice is facing an unprecedented financial crisis in light of the current COVID-19 outbreak, forcing the team to make decisions we never imagined we would face just 3 months ago. Decisions that will impact the lives of hundreds of sick children and their families across East London. We will see a huge drop in income over the next few months as a result of the cancellation of fundraising events and activities, and the closure of our six charity shops. Without additional funds we will need to cut services and may even need to close Richard House. This would be devastating for our families at a time when they most need us.

Richard House serves one of the most diverse communities in the country, with 50% of the children coming from Muslim families, so we understand how important this time of year is for Muslims living in Newham, Tower Hamlets and the surrounding boroughs of London.

For many, Ramadan is a few hours of helping others, but for over 300 families across East London caring for a loved one is a 24/7 fact. COVID-19 has affected us all and how we go about our lives. It is likely that during this blessed month many loved ones have had to isolate themselves and reduce social contact with their community. This is what many of the families we support experience full-time, not just in times of a pandemic. You may now have first-hand experience of a small part of what it is like to be the parent or loved one of a child with a life-limiting illness who is immune-compromised, just like Sultana, her son Musa, and their family.

The impact of a child like Musa getting coronavirus could be catastrophic. His weak immune system makes him particularly vulnerable. Children like Musa - and their families - need our support more than ever.

Just £82 could pay for an hour of care.

Without our hospice, the families we support will simply have nowhere left to turn. We are facing the unthinkable if our vital hospice service no longer exists. Please donate to help keep your local children's hospice service running during this blessed month. Jazakallah Khair.