Magical memories were made for one Newham youngster this week as a VIP guest of Her Royal Highness. the Queen Consort at a special event for children living with life-long debilitating illnesses at London’s Clarence House.
In The Queen Consort’s former role as The Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty was Royal Patron for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children with some of the most complex health conditions in the UK.
In recent years, the highly regarded charity has helped establish two Roald Dahl Nurses within Newham's Specialist Children's and Young Peoples Service (SCYPS).
Seven-year-old Mayann McNeil-Thompson was joined by mum Sophia and SCYPS Roald Dahl Nurse Louisa Griffith, a specialist in epilepsy care, for the unique day’s events. Four other children, family members and their specialist Roald Dahl Nurses also took part in the celebrations.
The children and their families had a further treat on the day with a visit from Father Christmas, accompanied by two of his faithful reindeer, Blitzen and Comet.
The fun didn’t end there, as Plaistow Primary school pupil Mayann joined the others in assisting members of the Royal Guard in decorating the Clarence House Christmas tree.
Later, Her Royal Highness helped in serving the children lunch.
“Mayann thoroughly enjoyed this special day. She was so thrilled to meet Her Royal Highness and be made a fuss of,” said Mayann’s mum, Sophie.
“We are so grateful to everyone at Clarence House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children's Charity for helping to make this unique experience.”
SCYPS Specialist Roald Dahl Nurse Louisa Griffith said:
“It was a really special day, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It’s thanks to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity that my post as a specialist in epilepsy nursing was made possible. Mayann is a remarkable little girl who has to overcome the most daunting of daily challenges but the charity works to ensure that every single Roald Dahl Nurse gets access to the very best training and expertise there is, so we can continue to support the children and families we work with.”
The party was part of a unique two-day event that included a luxury stayover for everyone at the Grosvenor Hotel in London’s West End, which had to also include a very special chocolate-tasting experience!