Richard Harrington

Richard speaking to the audience at the Flowers Festival Concert

A personal message from David Cameron was read to the audience of around 200 people at an evening concert at the Flower Festival at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Stanborough Park on Saturday 27th June 2009. The concert raised over £1,400 for the Children’s Hospice, Helen & Douglas House in Oxfordshire. Richard Harrington, prospective Conservative MP for Watford, was then invited to speak to the audience about Cameron’s commitment to the hospice

Cameron could not be at the concert due to a prior commitment but wished to show his support for the children’s hospice which cared for his disabled son, Ivan. Ivan died in February this year at the age of six. A letter from Cameron was read to the audience by Roland Guerin. Cameron wrote of his deep gratitude to the hospice and praised the work they had done.

Harrington was then invited to speak to the audience. He told of Cameron’s frequent mention of the hospice at other events. He said,

“Only last week I was with him at another charity event and he specifically mentioned Helen & Douglas House. Cameron often uses it as an example of what great things we are capable of in this country.

“This is a cause definitely close to his and Samantha’s [Cameron] hearts.”

The concert of mostly classical music showcased the talents of young musicians both local and international and was attended by about 200 people. After an appeal, collections raised over £1,400 for the hospice which provides respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for entire families. It was the world’s first children’s hospice, opening in November 1982.