On Tuesday 27th March 2007 over 200 Oxford school children showed their support for Helen & Douglas House by helping us to create a wonderful living representation of our vibrant 'hearts' logo, marking the start of our 25th anniversary celebrations.
Helen House opened in November 1982 as the world's first hospice for children and has been the blueprint for children's hospices all over the country (of which there are now around 40) as well as across the world. In 2004 Oxford saw another first when Douglas House opened as the first hospice specifically for young adults from 16 to 40 years of age. From April 2007 to April 2008 we will be having a whole year of celebrations kicked off with our 'living logo'.
For us the 'living logo' is a symbol of the care that Helen & Douglas House has provided to children, young people and their families from Oxfordshire and beyond over the past 25 years and, we hope - with the continuing support of the public - for the next 25 years!
Sister Frances Dominica, says, "It's wonderful to see all these children coming together to help raise awareness of the needs of other children and young people who have life-shortening conditions. It's hard to believe that 25 years have passed since we first opened Helen House - so many memories of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, so many friends made and lives shared. The balloons that were released today from our living logo are for those children we have been privileged to care for over the years.
"But Helen & Douglas House wouldn't be what it is today without the commitment of so many - everyone who believed in our initial vision and helped get Helen House off the ground, our wonderful staff and volunteers, our families who have taught us the most important things, stalwart friends offering advice and support over the years, not forgetting the overwhelming generosity of the public."
The launch marks the start of a year of celebrations for the charity which will include a make-over by The Greenfingers Appeal for the Helen House garden, a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, a party for families at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park in June, a concert at Dorchester Abbey on the 12th April with renowned cellist Steven Isserlis (concert) and many other events.
It will also see the launch of a 'Sponsor (or part sponsor) a Nurse or Care Team Member' campaign to help ensure that Helen & Douglas House can continue providing the one to one care so crucial to their families in the years to come. If you would like to know more about this, please call the Fundraising Team on 01865 799150.
In creating the living logo Helen & Douglas House would like to thank St Edward's School for their help and support in staging the event in their beautiful grounds, the children and teachers of Windmill School, St Barnabas School, SS Philip and James School, SS Mary and John School, St Aloysius School, as well as The School Bus Company and the Great British Balloon Company.
