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Leadership & Life Chat – Honesty and authenticity in business, with ProspHER founder Serena Fordham

TRIGGER WARNING – This episode contains mention of suicide Not only is Serena’s business journey inspirational, but she’s also doing important work in empowering and supporting women’s mental and career health! Shortly after facing redundancy, Serena founded ProspHER, a business providing training, practical support and mentoring for women in business, with a focus on empowerment and community. Serena is a breath of fresh air in her honesty around the challenges women often face in their careers, and how honesty, authenticity and workplace cultures are integral to success – things we know tick all of Mark and Becky’s boxes! They have a fascinating chat about vulnerability, relationship and confidence building, flexible working and the pros and cons of social media and how we consume it. It’s worth listening just to find out how Mark manages to tie Serena’s insights into his leek crop on his allotment… Check out the work ProspHER do here. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Contact Serena on LinkedIn HER Funny Business – Serena Fordham Abraham: THE KEY TO EFFORTLESS MANIFESTATION – Esther & Jerry Hicks Dream, Create, Believe, Achieve: Success; It Really Isn’t Rocket Science – Darren Lewitt Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! – Robert T. Kiyosaki Leadership and Life Chat: How to be an AWESOME leader and achieve a great work-life balance, with coach and author Ben Coomber Listen here! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Greater Anglia installs new accessibility features on website

Above: Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Train operator, Greater Anglia, has upgraded its website to enable visitors to access online content and services more easily, in a way that best suits their needs. As part of the company’s accessibility strategy, website visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customise their digital experience through Recite Me assistive technology. Being able to offer an inclusive experience is essential to support over 20% of the population who may encounter barriers online due to having a disability, learning difficulty, visual impartment or if they speak English as a second language. The new Recite Me assistive toolbar on Greater Anglia’s website includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customisable styling options, and an on-demand live translation feature that offers over 100 languages, including 65 text to speech and styling options. James Bonehill, Greater Anglia’s Accessibility & Inclusion Manager commented, “Accessibility is extremely important to us and we are committed to ensuring that all of our customers can access information and services in a way that best meets their individual needs. “Therefore, we are incredibly proud to be able to provide Recite Me’s innovative assistive technology across our website.” The internet can be an incredibly intimidating place for those with access barriers, and those lacking the tools they need to adequately understand or communicate are at a significant disadvantage, hence the importance of trying to make online information more user-friendly. Ross Linnett Recite Me’s Founder and CEO, commented, “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs. As more organisations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.” To explore using the Recite Me accessibility support tool, anyone can visit the Greater Anglia website and click the ‘Accessibility Tools’ link at the top right corner of the website.

Results of Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey 2023 revealed

Leading East Anglian accountancy firm, Larking Gowen, has released the results of its Tourism Business Survey 2023 at an event attended by sector leaders, at Applewood Hall in Norfolk. Guests at the event were presented with the survey results, and heard from a number of speakers, including Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams, Claudia Roberts, CEO of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, Valerie Watson Brown, from the VENI Partnership, and Hilary Horton, Director of Enspirita. There were also presentations from a team of experts at Larking Gowen, as well as a panel discussion, which included Mary Sparrow, from Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles. The survey, which has been running since 2006, with a three-year break during the pandemic, canvassed opinions from 140 firms. It showed that 59% of businesses in the region reported that turnover was more or substantially more in 2022 than in 2021. 24% said it was the same. Profits were less robust, with only 50% saying they were greater in 2022 than in 2021, and just over a third saying profits had fallen. There is a real belief that the sector in the East of England will perform well despite the cost of living crisis affecting them, their staff and most importantly their customers. For 2023, 41% of respondents said turnover would be more or substantially more than in 2022, with 35% predicting it would remain the same. However, the bottom line would be affected, with only 27% saying profits would increase in 2023 but with, a not insignificant, 45% saying they would fall. The survey also asked about the levels of support businesses felt they were getting from national and local government and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). 64% of respondents said central government was not providing enough support, while 59% said local government was not providing enough support. 64% of all the businesses questioned said they were engaged with a DMO and/or tourism group. Chris Scargill, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “Destination Management Organisations and the bodies that support them have helped many businesses during this tough period. I would call on these organisations to be given the support of our tourism businesses and local authorities in return, for the benefit of all.” During his presentation, Andy Wood called on local authorities in Suffolk and Norfolk to get behind a government initiative to boost tourism in the region. He said that the two counties should seize the opportunity on offer to be part of a Local Visitor Economic Partnership, with the potential to help attract central government funding and other support into the region. The LVEP would work closely with Destination Management Organisations which already offer a wide range of support to local tourism businesses. Earlier this month, 12 new LVEPs were announced throughout England, following a pilot scheme launched last year which saw 3 LVEPs created as part of the North East of England Destination Development Partnership. Norfolk and Suffolk were not included in this latest round. “Pre-pandemic figures for the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry in Norfolk and Suffolk showed it to be worth around £5.6bn and employing more than 10,000 people. It is one of the things that keeps the economy moving in the region. We’ve got it all in terms of places to visit, attractions, festivals, world class exhibitions, food and drink,” Andy Wood said. A Norfolk and Suffolk LVEP would help grow the visitor economy by giving businesses access to expert advice and training programmes in areas ranging from distribution, accessibility and sustainability, business support and marketing. It would also provide support to highlight government funding streams and help with bids. Mr Wood said in recent years the tourism sector had been hit by “the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: austerity, Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.” Larking Gowen has produced a brochure summary of this year’s survey results with special focus articles on sustainability, investment and growth, marketing, consumer trends and staffing. Chris Scargill said: “We’re grateful to all our speakers and everyone else who attended to help make this such a successful event. Despite the many challenges, the tourism sector in East Anglia is robust, confident and as full of ideas as ever. We look forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength.”

New bus service helps to make sport accessible for all

Photo: Millie Davis (Norwich City Women FC captain) and Adam Drury (Football & Education Manager at the Community Sports Foundation, Club Ambassador and ex-Norwich City captain) outside Carrow Park with Konectbus. This April, Konectbus launch Route 35 to provide better accessibility and more sustainable transport links between The Nest and Carrow Road. Known as Canary Konect, Route 35 will introduce a direct link between The Nest and Carrow Road stadium, serving Norwich Airport and Norwich Rail Station on the way. It has been funded by money secured by Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Canary Konect will run hourly, 7 days a week, beginning on Sunday 16th April, which coincides with Norwich City Women FC’s match against Ashford Town at Carrow Road (KO 2pm). Buses will leave The Nest at 08.15 stopping at Norwich Airport, Cromer Road, Aylsham Road, Anglia Square, Norwich Railway Station, and Carrow Park/Riverside on the way, with the last bus departing Carrow Road at 18.05. The route will also provide sustainable travel options to families wishing to visit the Challenge Woods or residents wishing to take part in many of the community engagement programmes held at The Nest. Gavin Smith, Managing Director for Go East Anglia/Konectbus, commented:

“We are delighted to launch Canary Konect which will enable so many more people to get around the city, connecting many popular sporting venues and transport hubs without having to rely on cars. The Nest and Carrow Park attract visitors of all ages to their facilities, and we hope that our buses will not only make it possible for more people to access them but also encourage people to consider other sustainable ways to travel there, as accessibility has been improved for all.”

Ian Thornton OBE, Chief Executive Officer at the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, said:

“Last year, over 15,000 participants and visitors enjoyed our inclusive facilities at The Nest. “As the base for so many of the Foundation’s programmes, every day we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, ranging from pre-school groups enjoying our Challenge Woods, students using our state-of-the-art facilities as part of their education programme, right through to participants at Duncan’s Club, our weekly dementia group.” “Until now, The Nest has not been accessible through public transport. Adding the 35 route, on which we’ve been working closely with the team at Go East Anglia/Konectbus, will mean so many more people can benefit from our services every year. He added: “It’s particularly great news for supporters of Norwich City Women, who will now be able to use Konectbus’s services to attend their home games, which are usually played at The Nest.”

 Jackie Thornton (Head of Development at the Community Sports Foundation), Summer Ward (Norwich City Women FC) and students at The Nest look forward to the arrival of Canary Konect View Canary Konect here Images provided by Konectbus

Canary Konect – Route 35

Download the timetable Canary Konect (Route 35) provides the only direct link between The Nest and Carrow Road Stadium, serving Norwich Airport and Norwich Rail Station on the way. Canary Konect runs up to every 60 minutes, 7 days a week. Ideal for:

Get there with quicker and easier with Canary Konect.     Timetable & Fares – click to download the timetable Make the most of the £2 fare! Available until the 30th June 2023, on any single journey on Canary Konect. Canary Konect has been funded by money secured by Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). View New bus service helps to make sport accessible for all here Images provided by Konectbus

Greater Anglia issues travel advice for King’s Coronation weekend

A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Train operator Greater Anglia has issued advice for rail passengers travelling over the King’s Coronation weekend. There is no planned engineering work on Saturday 6 May, so all services will run as normal, and trains on routes into London will run with the maximum number of carriages available. Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said: “We will be strengthening trains wherever possible to ensure they run with the maximum number of carriages available. Our new trains are longer and have more seats, meaning even more people can travel to the capital to enjoy this historic event. “We would encourage customers to check before they travel on Sunday and Monday. There is some engineering work taking place, on the Great Eastern Main Line and on the West Anglia route, but the majority of our network is open, so people can explore the network and enjoy the long weekend. “We have a range of good value fares available, and people should book via the Greater Anglia website or app for the cheapest fares. Groups of three or more people can save money with GroupSave.” As Network Rail will be carrying out engineering work on some routes on Sunday 7 May and Bank Holiday Monday 8 May, customers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey, particularly if they are travelling to any of the larger sporting events in the region including Newmarket Races, and football matches at West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. On Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May, buses will replace trains between Ely and Cambridge. Trains remain in operation between Norwich and Ely and between Cambridge and Stansted Airport/London. On Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May, buses will replace trains between Marks Tey and Billericay, and between Braintree and Witham. Trains will operate between Norwich and Marks Tey, between Clacton/Colchester Town and Colchester, between Sudbury and Marks Tey, and between Southend Victoria and London (via Billericay). All other Greater Anglia routes are unaffected by engineering work on 7 and 8 May.

Blooming Good Opportunity For Local Businesses To Sponsor the Hospice Show Garden at Sandringham

The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, is thrilled to be one of three local charities that will showcase a show garden at this year’s prestigious Sandringham in Bloom. With the help of Dean Price Horticulture, they plan to create an emotive concept design that represents the support offered to people with terminal illnesses. To maximise the impact of their garden, The Norfolk Hospice is seeking sponsorship from local businesses to purchase water features, oak pergolas, and ornamental screening. In return for their generous sponsorship, the businesses will receive publicity for their brand as their name will be displayed on a plaque within the garden. In addition, the show garden and sponsor plaques will be transported to The Norfolk Hospice in Hillington after the event, where they will become a permanent feature in their gardens. Victoria Rush, Community Fundraiser at Norfolk Hospice, said, “Sandringham in Bloom is a wonderful opportunity for The Norfolk Hospice to showcase the love and support we offer to our patients. We rely on the local community and businesses in order to provide our vital services and we would love to hear from any businesses who could support our show garden and be part of this prestigious event.” From June 3rd to June 11th, Sandringham in Bloom will celebrate the beauty of the Royal Estate’s flora and fauna with its vibrant displays of flowers and foliage. Visitors can expect to receive expert advice, enjoy live music on weekends, and relax with a drink at the gin bar in the gardens. This year, the event will be even more special as Queen Elizabeth II’s Floral Coronation Robe from Salisbury Cathedral will be part of the displays inside Sandringham House. This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to showcase their commitment to the community while increasing their brand’s visibility at a highly anticipated event. Interested parties can contact Norfolk Hospice’s fundraising team at 01485 601701 or email fundraisingteam@norfolkhospice.org.uk for more information on how to sponsor the show garden. Image provided by The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House

“It’s our privilege to restart these successful days. We’ve had to cancel the last few because of the pandemic but now they’re returning as a regular fixture in our calendar” – all aboard for a popular miniature railway fundraiser in Norwich

A popular miniature railway fundraiser is back on track and hoping to prove just the ticket for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The special charity day is taking place at Eaton Park, in Norwich, on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st May. Miniature trains will be running throughout the day, from 11.30am until 4.30pm, and the revenue from all fares is being donated to EACH. Regular steam, electric and internal combustion locomotives will be present and it will be Eaton Park Miniature Railway’s sixth fundraiser for the charity, which supports families and cares for children with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. Railway spokesman Steve Adams said: “It’s our privilege to restart these successful EACH days, having held the first in 2015. “We’ve had to cancel the last few because of the pandemic but now they’re returning as a regular fixture in our calendar.” The railway runs a number of special fundraising days each year and the trains will operate every few minutes, weather-permitting. Park visitors are invited to bring a picnic, have a ride and watch them go by. Anyone can turn up on the day and there is no need to book in advance. The cost is £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. EACH Community Fundraising Assistant Megan-Louise Kemp said: “It’s great that this fundraiser is returning as it’s something we always appreciated pre-Covid and our thanks go to everyone at Eaton Park Miniature Railway. “Hopefully the sun shines and it’s another successful and popular day, with lots of people turning out to enjoy some Bank Holiday fun. “The funds raised will help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.” Eaton Park Miniature Railway is operated by the Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers (N&DSME). A not-for-profit organisation, it exists to promote model engineering in all forms, including road and stationary engines, model boats, clock making and railways. New members are always welcome and further information can be found on the society website or via its Facebook page. The day is being supported by The Nook Friends group, who will be sharing information about EACH from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Volunteers Marianne Betts, Gill Gooderham, Lynn Gooderham and their respective husbands will be running a stand with a competition to name and win a “Royal” bear, a matchbox game, a surprise bag game and – weather-permitting – a tombola. Images provided by EACH

Howes Percival confirms Investors in People reaccreditation

Leading law firm Howes Percival has confirmed it has achieved Investors in People accreditation for another three years. The prestigious global benchmark for people management was originally founded in 1991 as a government project to make work better. Investors in People assesses how an organisation is performing against its ‘we invest in people’ framework and advises businesses on how to improve workplace culture in areas such as employee engagement, communication, organisational culture and work practices. The firm has been accredited for 20 years and the process of reaccreditation involves organisations being assessed every three years across nine key indicator areas including leadership, values and behaviours, managing performance and continuous improvement. The process also includes a staff survey and interviews with employees. Howes Percival’s Chairperson, Geraint Davies, commented, “We are absolutely delighted to have renewed our ‘Investors in People’ accreditation. At Howes Percival, we understand that our people are our most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to grow and develop. The accreditation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to investing in our people and ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to excel in their roles. “This is also recognition for the investment we’ve made in our People team and the hard work they have been doing for a number of years now.  Working through the Investors in People framework has had a positive impact on the quality of our people practices, helped us achieve higher levels of staff engagement and will help us recruit and retain the very best people going forward.” The latest Investors in People report cited that people at Howes Percival have a high level of trust in the leaders, are encouraged to use initiative and are well supported through the performance development and review process. The report also said the extent and range of investment in people activity was ‘impressive’ including the career development frameworks, the learning platform and the mentoring programme. While those with career ambitions have a strong belief that aspirations can be met within the organisation. Howes Percival’s Natalie Clarke, Head of People, commented, “We are very proud of achieving reaccreditation and believe it highlights our continued dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. We will keep investing in our people and working together to build an environment where people want to work and enjoy working. I would like to thank everyone at Howes Percival for their contribution to this achievement and look forward to continuing to work together to reach new heights.” In addition to the Investors in People accreditation, Howes Percival has also been ranked in the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list, three years running and ranked 8th best large law firm to work for. For more information on working at Howes Percival click here

Annual Business Barometer to survey East Anglian companies

Monday 24 April: East Anglia’s Complete Commercial Finance, an independent business finance brokerage based in King’s Lynn, has launched its third annual Business Survey. The survey, which was first launched in 2021, invites companies across the region to share their views on business confidence and trading conditions. In this year’s survey, participants are asked to rank the challenges currently affecting them, including rising costs, taxation, staffing and finance. In previous years, the survey has shown how the pandemic, Brexit and spiralling fuel costs affected trading. While the pandemic prompted many to use a business loan for the first time, in the form of government-backed schemes such as the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), previous surveys revealed low level usage of other finance products. This year’s study will map changes in borrowing over the three-year period. “We are interested to see whether attitudes to commercial finance have changed during this time,” says Complete Commercial Finance director Karl Lanham. “There are always challenges for businesses to contend with, but the current cost of living crisis and labour shortages have peaked pressure on cashflow. This is leading more companies to look at finance solutions to bridge the gap and it will be interesting to see how this shapes views this year.” Businesses can participate in the survey here by Monday 31 July.

“EACH has touched, helped and supported so many people and is an institution in this part of the world” – Andy is raising funds by completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 Football League clubs

Football fanatic Andy Cranch is lacing up his boots for the ultimate charity challenge – completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 League clubs. The 58-year-old is plotting a whistle-stop tour of the country – starting at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium on 9th May – and hopes to raise £7,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). His fortnight-long challenge will see him head South, before dipping into Wales and then travelling North before finishing at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road on 20th May. At every club he will complete 1,000 keepie-uppies – a feat he expects to complete in 15 minutes. He will then jump back in his car and move onto his next port of call. “I’m excited and looking forward to it,” said Andy, who lives in Cambridge. “I’ve always wanted to visit all 92 clubs and couldn’t think of a better way to do it, meeting football friends along the way while at the same time supporting the wonderful EACH. “I just hope the public get behind me, because I’m hoping to raise as much as possible. “It’s a local charity and a very special cause – one everyone is aware of and feels strongly about. It’s an institution in this part of the world. “EACH has touched, helped and supported so many people and if I can do anything to help, then I most definitely will. “The keepie-uppies are the easy bit – it’s like riding a bike to me. “The hardest part will be the travelling around and undoubtedly there will be a few logistical issues along the way, but nothing we can’t sort out.” Andy, who will be joined by wife Ali, was on the books at Exeter City as a youngster before drifting into non-league football and playing for Histon, Cambridge City, Shelford and Ely City. He is player-manager of the Over-55 England Veterans and represented England’s Seniors at the 2022 World Cup, in Thailand. He is no stranger to football-themed challenges and completed a special one during lockdown, after being inspired by schoolgirl Imogen Papworth-Heidel. The 12-year-old wanted to do a keepie-uppie for every key worker in the country. Her dad calculated there were 7.1 million key workers so it would take 96 years. Instead, she asked others to join her and do their own keepie-uppies. Andy completed more than a million! He has set himself a target of £7,000 for this challenge – the amount it costs to run each of the three hospices, per day – and has a special connection as sister-in-law Jules Gibson-Cranch is Locality Wellbeing Lead at The Treehouse, in Ipswich. Andy, who owns Banquet Inn mobile bar and Crofters ice cream and coffee shop at Lammas Land, in Newnham Park, recently paid a visit to the EACH hospice at Milton, where he was shown around by Community Fundraiser Helena Davis. “Going to the hospice was a real experience and underlined the reasons why I want to take on this challenge,” he said. “It’s a special place and it was also a real privilege to meet so many great people who work there. “Everyone is so passionate and dedicated to the charity and that shines through in all the conversations I’ve had. “It’s spurred me on and I feel completely motivated. It’s going to be an amazing experience and I dearly hope everyone gets behind me and offers their support. “I’m grateful for all donations and sponsorship, no matter how big and small. Every contribution is vital and appreciated.” Andy plans to post daily updates and photos on his Twitter feed (@cranch_andy), using the hashtag #EACK 92. To sponsor him, head here. Andy’s schedule is as follows: Tuesday, 9th May: Cambridge United, Norwich City, Colchester United, Gillingham and Crawley Town. Wednesday, 10th May: Brighton and Hove Albion, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City. Thursday, 11th May: Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Swansea City, Cardiff City, Newport County, Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Swindon Town. Friday, 12th May: Oxford United, Reading, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Luton Town, MK Dons, Northampton Town and Coventry City Saturday, 13th May: Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Shrewsbury Town, Stoke City, Port Vale, Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Everton and Liverpool. Sunday, 14th May: Stockport County, Manchester City, Manchester United, Salford City, Rochdale, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Fleetwood Town. Monday, 15th May: Morecambe, Barrow, Carlisle United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Hartlepool United and Harrogate Town. Tuesday, 16th May: Bradford City, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Hull City, Grimsby Town and Doncaster Rovers. Wednesday, 17th May: Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Mansfield Town, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Burton Albion, Leicester City, Lincoln City and Peterborough United. Thursday, 18th May: Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, West Ham United, Charlton Athletic, Millwall, Crystal Palace, Sutton United and AFC Wimbledon. Friday, 19th May: Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, QPR, Arsenal and Watford. Saturday, 20th May: Ipswich Town. Images provided by EACH

“She’s a lovely person to have in our lives and we both feel strongly about her and what she brings to our family. I can’t stress enough how thankful we are” – Joe and Stef are grateful for the help they receive from their Help at Home volunteer

A couple whose son has a rare chromosomal disorder and requires round-the-clock care have spoken of the life-changing support they receive from a children’s charity. Six-year-old Stanley Harrold was born with Pallister-Killian syndrome and is a regular visitor to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base at The Nook. He has severe hearing and sight impairments, respiratory issues and drug resistant epilepsy. Dad Joe and wife Stef Partington are supported by EACH and especially grateful for the charity’s Help at Home service. Volunteers are matched with a family so they can provide vital practical support with chores like cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, dog-walking and DIY. In Joe and Stef’s case, they get regular help tending to the garden at their Norwich home. “Stanley is our number one priority and all our time is dedicated to him,” said Joe. “We both juggle our work commitments with caring for him but it means other things, like gardening, get forgotten about. “We simply don’t have time and it would look like a jungle out there, were it not for our volunteer, Julia. “Something like weeding and pruning, for instance, is the last thing on our minds but, thanks to her, our garden looks brilliant. “She helps so much and is a brilliant, lovely, compassionate and empathetic lady. I don’t think there are many people like her in life. “Julia’s a great listener. She’s never intrusive and we’ve got a lot of shared interests. “She’s full of ideas for our garden and makes such a massive difference. “She’s a lovely person to have in our lives and we both feel strongly about her and what she brings to our family. I can’t stress enough how thankful we are.” Stanley, who will be seven in June, enjoyed a very proud moment when being chosen to hand a bouquet of flowers to EACH Royal Patron The Princess of Wales when she officially opened The Nook in November 2019. He and his family have received regular care and support at the hospice since 2016, including music therapy and hydrotherapy sessions. “Life can be very difficult but EACH has been a great support to us,” said Joe. “Stef and I are a team and, although things can be tough and the future uncertain, we deal with everything together. “Stanley’s a lovely boy. He’s so resilient, considering how much he’s had to go through in his short life, and an absolute inspiration to us both.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. To read more about Help at Home, click here. For more information about the service, head to the EACH website, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four). Images provided by EACH