FAMILIES and children supported by Shooting Star Children's Hospices in Hampton enjoyed a Royal visit from HRH the Countess of Wessex last week.

The hospice is one of two run by the charity and together they support around 700 families who have a child with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved across London and Surrey.

Countess Sophie, the charity's Royal Patron, joined in with Valentine's themed activities during her visit on February 10 to Shooting Star House.

Along with children at the hospice she took part in arts and crafts, helping to create a 'wall of love' at the hospice, and also enjoyed a 'Friendly Hands' Makaton version of All You Need Is Love performed by children, families and staff.

Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people communicate, which many of the children at Shooting Star Children's Hospices and their families use.

Ruth, mother of 14-year-old Naomi who is supported by the charity, said: "It's really lovely to meet The Countess and see her interacting with the children, she's so lovely with them and we had a really great afternoon with the other families too."

Shooting Star Children's Hospices cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, throughout Surrey and across 15 London boroughs.

The charity was set up in 1995 and runs two hospices: Shooting Star House in Hampton and Christopher's in Guildford and Shooting Star House in Hampton.

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Shooting Star charity shops can be found in Teddington and Hampton Hill.

Find out more about the charity and its work HERE