FAMILIES and special guests joined together to mark the unveiling of a new hospice play area.

The island inspired playground, which features a fully accessible wooden pirates ship, wheelchair swing, trampoline and roundabout, was officially opened by Haven House Children’s Hospice patron and well-known television presenter Ben Shephard at a small ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday 28 July.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The playground, which had remained relatively untouched since the Woodford-Green hospice opened more than 15 years ago, has been transformed into a vision of bright colours, with sensory and interactive equipment thanks to funding received from Euromoney and The London Marathon Charitable Trust.

GMB host and Tipping Point presenter Ben, who has supported the hospice for over a decade, since said: “I grew up locally in Epping and played at just across the road at Woodford Rugby Club. I remember then running through the grounds of what was then The White House.

Epping Forest Guardian:

"I have so many wonderful childhood memories of what now is Haven House. I have loved seeing the hospice transform over the years and am delighted to be here today to officially open this wonderful playground.

Epping Forest Guardian:

“The hospice does fantastic work in supporting life-limited children and their families in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The playground is going to allow for a safe place for children to play whilst creating many happy moments and smiles. It will be a long-lasting legacy for many children and families to enjoy both now and for many years to come.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

For mum Sylvia, the playground means that all four of her children can play together in a safe environment. She said: "Given that we are even more restricted than other families because of Malachi's health needs, the playground has provided us with a safe and secure escape where we can all have fun as a family.

"It is our only source of safe outdoor space and it’s just fantastic as Malachi can use all the facilities and get around without much difficulty. This is what makes the grounds at Haven House so special and unique for us. The playground gives Malachi a more enriched quality of life as he is not being hindered.”