Key Points
- Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton, east London, entered administration on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, after facing severe financial difficulties.​
- Parents of children who received care at the hospice have vowed to “fight” to save the facility, describing it as a “lifeline” for families.​
- Ben Moss, father of five-year-old Miles from East Ham, whose son has cerebral palsy, is among those leading the campaign for the hospice’s future.​
- The closure has caused distress among families, staff, and the wider community, highlighting the hospice’s critical role in supporting children with life-limiting conditions.​
- The hospice’s closure follows months of financial strain, with fundraising and public support now seen as vital for its potential reopening.​
Why Did Richard House Children’s Hospice Close?
Richard House Children’s Hospice, a cornerstone of care for children with life-limiting illnesses in east London, entered administration on 17 December 2025, marking a significant loss for the local community and the families it served. As reported by Our sister site London Now, the closure came after months of financial struggles, with administrators citing deep financial problems as the primary cause.​
The hospice, located in Beckton, provided not only medical care but also emotional and practical support for children and their families, many of whom relied on its services during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Its closure has sparked an outcry, with parents, staff, and community members expressing their distress and concern over the future of specialist children’s hospice care in the region.​
Who Are the Parents Fighting to Save the Hospice?
Parents whose children received care at Richard House have been at the forefront of the campaign to save the hospice. Ben Moss, father of five-year-old Miles from East Ham, whose son has cerebral palsy, described the facility as a “lifeline” for families like his. Moss told London Now,
“Richard House has been a sanctuary for us, and the thought of losing it is devastating”.​
Other parents echoed Moss’s sentiments, sharing stories of how the hospice provided not only essential medical care but also a sense of community, respite, and emotional support. Many have pledged to fight for the hospice’s reopening, highlighting the urgent need for specialist care services in east London.​
What Is the Community’s Reaction to the Closure?
The closure of Richard House Children’s Hospice has been met with widespread dismay across east London. Families, staff, and local residents have voiced their concern about the impact on children with life-limiting conditions and their families. As reported by London Now, many described the hospice as an irreplaceable resource, providing not only medical care but also emotional support, respite, and a sense of belonging for families facing unimaginable challenges.​
Local councillors and community leaders have also expressed their support for the campaign to save the hospice, calling for urgent action to secure its future. Fundraising efforts have been launched, with many pledging donations and volunteering their time to support the cause.​
What Are the Financial Challenges Facing the Hospice?
Richard House Children’s Hospice faced mounting financial difficulties in the months leading up to its closure. Administrators cited deep financial problems as the primary reason for the hospice entering administration. The hospice relied heavily on charitable donations and fundraising, but a decline in donations and increased operational costs left it unable to sustain its services.​
The financial strain has highlighted the broader challenges facing specialist children’s hospices across the UK, many of which operate on limited budgets and rely on public support to continue their vital work. Campaigners have called for greater government and community support to ensure that children with life-limiting conditions continue to receive the care they need.​
What Happens Next for Families and Staff?
The closure of Richard House Children’s Hospice has left families and staff in a state of uncertainty. Many families are now searching for alternative care options, while staff face the prospect of job losses and the end of a workplace that many described as a second home.​
Campaigners have vowed to continue their efforts to save the hospice, with fundraising, public awareness campaigns, and calls for government intervention seen as key to its potential reopening. The community has rallied around the cause, with many pledging their support to ensure that specialist children’s hospice care remains available in east London.​
How Can the Public Help?
The campaign to save Richard House Children’s Hospice is calling for public support through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness about the hospice’s vital role in the community. Families and campaigners have urged the public to get involved, highlighting the urgent need for specialist care services for children with life-limiting conditions.​
As reported by London Now, those wishing to support the campaign can donate to official fundraising appeals, volunteer their time, or contact local representatives to advocate for government support. The community’s response will be crucial in determining the hospice’s future and ensuring that children and families continue to receive the care they need.
