500 jars of limited edition honey, produced by bees housed in Her Royal Highness The former Duchess of Cornwall’s own private garden in Wiltshire, went on sale on Tuesday 16th October at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly and on their website to raise money for Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice.
former Duchess of Cornwall was Patron of Helen & Douglas House and invites some of the children and their families cared for by the charity to Clarence House every Christmas for lunch and to help her decorate her tree.
Anthony Brine, aged 6, who met the former Duchess of Cornwall last Christmas at Clarence House, suffers from a painful genetic condition which causes his body to develop blisters both inside and out, from any kind of friction, called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Anthony’s mother, Daniela Brine, said ‘His condition was discovered at birth when the midwives rubbed his little hands and feet and his skin came away. He is such a brave little boy and copes with his condition so bravely. He knows what he can and can’t do.
‘We love staying at Helen & Douglas House because the staff are always friendly and helpful, Anthony gets to go swimming and enjoys playing with all the amazing toys. He loves making arts and crafts to bring home as memories.’
Barely 5,000 children in the UK suffer from the condition in various forms but Anthony’s is so severe that it is the equivalent of experiencing third degree burns on a daily basis. Despite this he still attends a mainstream school.
This year the former Duchess of Cornwall has chosen to donate all the proceeds from the sale of her honey being sold exclusively at Fortnum & Mason to Helen & Douglas House to help local terminally ill children like Anthony.
The bright amber honey is light and delicate with an irresistible sweet caramel flavour – perfect spread on toast or drizzled over porridge. The individually numbered, limited edition jars make for ideal presents, the giving of which helps a local children’s charity.
Clare Periton, CEO of Helen & Douglas House said:
‘We are very grateful to the former Duchess of Cornwall, our Patron, for choosing us as the charity to benefit from the sale of her honey this year. The money raised will help us provide medical, emotional and practical support to local families to help them deal with the implications of living with a child who will die prematurely, so they can make the most of their time together. Our children and their families are looking forward to their Christmas visit to Clarence House to meet the former Duchess of Cornwall.’
