Sister Frances Dominica, founder of Helen & Douglas House and Tom Hill, the charity's CEO, were thrilled to welcome Their Imperial Majesties, The Emperor and Empress of Japan on a visit to the hospices on Monday 28th May.
After a morning of constant rain the heavens relented a little when Their Majesties arrived at Helen House. After being met by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxford, Mr Hugo Brunner, they were introduced to Sister Frances and Tom Hill.
Stephanie Castelete who stays at Helen House delighted the Empress when she presented her with a posy before Their Majesties were shown into Helen House.
They then spent some time seeing the different rooms, such as the multi-sensory room and art room, as well as watching some music therapy. In the play room at Helen House they talked with some of the families who use Helen House about their experiences.
With the clouds still holding back the rain the Imperial Party made their way across the garden to Douglas House (pictured). As well as a tour of the hospice they also enjoyed a wonderful concert with renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom, at the end of which they were able to spend more time talking to young people and families from Douglas House, including Laura and Judith Merry who presented them with a gift.
But this was not the first time that Sister Frances Dominica and young people from Helen & Douglas House have met Her Majesty The Empress. In 2005 the charity Momiji ('Maple Leaf') invited Sister Frances Dominica and a number of children and young adults, members of their families and three care team members, to Japan on a ten day visit. Momiji was founded by Mrs Masayo Kidani and aims to enrich the lives of disabled British and Japanese young people by promoting friendship through trips, events and activities in both countries. As part of the 2005 trip to Japan, Mrs Kidani was able to arrange a private audience with Her Majesty The Empress for the Helen & Douglas House party. Sister Frances Dominica extended an open invitation to Their Majesties to visit Helen & Douglas House should they ever be in the UK.
Sister Frances said, "I am really thrilled that Their Majesties have accepted our invitation to come to Helen & Douglas House during our 25th anniversary year. Hospices for children and young people do not yet exist in Japan but there is a growing interest in what they can offer a young person with a life-shortening condition, as well as their family. We hope the visit may further heighten that interest. Everyone was very excited about meeting Their Imperial Majesties and they have given us some wonderful memories. We are immensely grateful to Their Majesties for spending time with us and our gratitude must also go to Mrs Kidani and Momiji for helping it all to happen."
The visit to Helen & Douglas House was part of a wider three day visit to the UK.
Photo courtesy of www.allpeoplephotography.com
