Catherine returns to hospice to meet children

20 minutes ago Ben Parker Chris Radburn/Press Association Catherine spent time with children who were taking part in music activities Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has revisited a children's hospice 14 years after opening the site for the first time. The princess, who is the patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), spent nearly an hour talking to children and families receiving care at The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich.

The hospice, which opened in 2012, provides short breaks and palliative support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and a bereavement service for families. Catherine later visited an EACH shop in Hoveton, Norfolk, to meet volunteers, staff members and doting supporters outside.

Chris Radburn/Press Association Catherine praised the brave children at the hospice Charlotte, 13, who has a rare genetic muscle disorder, sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran through a microphone for the princess, who told her she was "brilliant". "Charlotte, that was beautifully sung. Well done, you," Catherine said.

The princess also met four-year-old Primrose, who has a rare congenital heart defect, and has had three heart surgeries including one at six days old. Catherine commented: "Super brave girl and brave parents, too." Shaun Whitmore/BBC Jessica Andrews volunteers three days a week for EACH The hospice wants to expand to make space for a new hydrotherapy pool, therapy suite and a larger kitchen and dining area for families.

Kevin Clements, chief executive of EACH, said the visit helped raise the profile of the charity. "The demand on our services is only going one way; it's increasing every single year. We've got to get this site fit for purpose," he said.

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Catherine met staff and volunteers at the EACH shop in Norfolk At the EACH shop in Hoveton, Catherine met Jessica Andrews, who volunteers three days a week at Cafe 98 at the store. She said meeting Catherine was the "best opportunity ever". "She's ever so lovely, very bubbly, down to earth," Andrews added.

Donna Carver Margaret Jackson had the opportunity to take a photo with the princess EACH says it is funded 85% by the public and 15% from the government. Clements called people's contributions to the charity "enormous." Margaret Jackson managed to get a photo with the princess outside the shop after hearing about the visit while at a nearby cafe.

"We dashed out. I asked, 'Can I have my picture taken with you?' She said, 'Of course you can.'" Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.