Prince Harry has spoken on the “enormous strain” faced by families as he penned the foreword for a new WellChild Impact Report.
WellChild is a national charity for seriously ill children that uses a network of children’s nurses, family training, and practical home and garden improvements.
The Duke of Sussex has been a patron of WellChild since 2007 and has attended work the charity has done on multiple occasions.
In his foreword, the prince said: “Each year, as Patron of WellChild, I’m humbled by the extraordinary spirit of the WellChild community.
Prince Harry has penned the foreword to the WellChild Impact Report.
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“While the challenges facing families caring for children with complex medical needs have not lessened, the strength and resilience of those families, and the charity that supports them, remain steadfast.
“In the face of immense pressure on health and social care services, WellChild continues to provide a lifeline: advocating, innovating, and ensuring that seriously ill children can be safely cared for at home and in their communities, wherever possible.
“One of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting the remarkable winners of the WellChild Awards.
“In 2024 it was my great pleasure to join the celebrations in person once again; a moment in my calendar that never fails to bring me so much enjoyment.
“Hearing the stories of these children, their families, and the professionals who support them is a reminder of what matters most: community, connection, and compassion.”
The Impact Report shows how charitable funding enables WellChild to step in where others cannot. There are 57 WellChild nurses now posted throughout the UK who have helped more than 3,600 families.
Prince Harry has been a patron of WellChild since 2007.
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The prince continued: “I am especially proud of the continued growth of WellChild’s Family Tree peer-to-peer support network.
“It is heartening to see more families joining this vital community, which now stretches right across the UK.
“In a world that often feels isolating for those caring for children with complex medical needs, the Family Tree offers friendship, advice, and a reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone. Times remain difficult and there is still enormous strain on families and the charities that support them.
The Impact Report shows how charitable funding enables WellChild to step in where others cannot.
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GETTY
“Yet through it all, WellChild has not faltered in its commitment. The team has expanded its reach, diversified its programmes to help more families, and continued to provide critical information and services to those who need them most.”
He concluded by saying: “To everyone who has played a part in making this possible – the brilliant staff, the board of Trustees, the WellChild Nurses, the supporters, the volunteers, the families – thank you!
“Your part in our story changes lives every day, and I am honoured to stand beside you in this mission.”