EAST Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is benefiting from not having to pay rent on several of its shops in Norfolk over the next few months, thanks to the generosity of supportive landlords.

EACH has 43 shops across the region but had to close them in March in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. That, combined with supporters’ fundraising activities and their own events having to be cancelled, prompted the charity to appeal for financial support across a wide range of service providers that included landlords.

Among the landlords to have provided a boost are Stephen and Carol Sell, from Gissing, two of three co-owners of the property occupied by EACH in Norwich Road, Long Stratton. They, as well as the third co-owner, have given their tenant a six-month rent-free period.

Stephen said:

“EACH is a charity that provides such a wonderful service to the children of East Anglia, so at such a difficult time we’re pleased to help them in a small way to continue their good work.”

Another landlord to have lent EACH a significant helping hand is Capricorn Estates, based near Cambridge. The company, run by husband and wife Rupert and Zoe Kirby, has given the charity a three-month rent-free period on shops in Station Road, Holt, and Upper Market, Fakenham.

Rupert said:

“We have an excellent relationship with EACH and they provide such important services to families in tragic circumstances. This puts our commercial interests into perspective, so although it wasn’t particularly easy for us financially to waive the rents, the charity needed support during these challenging times and we were delighted to be able to help them.”

EACH has been given similar support from landlords of its shops right across the region.

Sarah Throssell, EACH Acting Head of Retail, said:

“EACH is saving just over £100,000 as a result of these acts of kindness, which is absolutely fantastic and much appreciated, although we’re currently losing around £100,000 of income from our shops every week, so we still need the support of individuals, groups, community organisations, businesses and trusts like never before. Any support people are able to offer is so gratefully received as we know these are very challenging times for everyone. A massive thank you to our landlords for their backing.”

EACH supports around 450 families of children and young people with life-threatening conditions, including around 100 bereaved families, at any one time.

The charity has three hospices, including The Nook, in Framingham Earl. All three have just been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission following inspections in January.

They continue to provide end-of-life care and bereavement support, whilst working closely with the NHS to provide the capacity to care for the sickest children and responding to urgent requests for care and support as best they can. EACH is unable to offer face-to-face care as it helps families shield their children from the virus. Staff are supporting them the best way they can remotely by phone or online, but need continued funding to be able to start offering a full range of services as soon as it is safe to do so.

To donate to EACH now go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/each-covid19. Alternatively, for inspiration to do your own at-home fundraising visit www.each.org.uk/get-involved.