Latest news with #LittleHavens
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Star-studded south Essex charity match to raise funds for children's hospice
CELEBRITIES are set to play off against staff from a beloved Hadleigh bar in a star-studded charity football match. Famous faces including Boyzone's Shane Lynch, presenter Linda Robson and Game of Thrones actor, Tamer Hassan will descend on Bowers & Pitsea Football Club later this month. They will play against members of staff from Fattys Bar as part of a fundraising evening for Little Havens children's hospice. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. "We're doing the match for Little Havens but also in honour of Paul Danan, the Hollyoaks actor who helped organise last year's match and sadly passed away earlier this year," said organiser, motivational speaker and celebrity player, Matthew Riggs. "We've got quite a few good celebrities coming down to play against the Fattys Bar team so I'm expecting it will be quite good fun. "There's also going to be an after-match event at the bar, with 100 per cent of all takings going to Little Havens." Community - The charity football match will take place at Bowers and Pitsea Football Club (Image: George Pizani) The match will be kicking off at 3pm at Bowers and Pitsea Football Club, with the Fattys Bar event starting at the Hadleigh High Street venue at 6pm. Little Havens, based in Thundersley, is Essex's only children's hospice, and provides end of life care to youngsters and support to families through the most difficult time of their lives. Support - A range of celebrities will be playing in this month's charity match (Image: Matthew Riggs) "It takes a huge amount of money to run the hospice each year and to provide care not only at the hospice but in the families' homes too," said a spokesperson for Fattys Bar. "All services provided are free to the families in Little havens care and this can only be provided because of the donations from the local community. "The football match was the idea of one of our regulars at Fattys Bar, Keiran Morgan, who is an ex professional football player." Star - Boyzone singer Shane Lynch will be among the players (Image: Ian West) A range of celebrities from the worlds of TV, music, film and sport will be playing in the match on Saturday May 24. Aron Lane, fundraising officer at Havens hospices said: 'We're incredibly grateful to Fattys Bar and everyone involved in the celebrity football match for their amazing support. Last year's event raised more than £4,000 for the hospice, which made a real difference to local families."
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two young girls to run Mini London Marathon in memory of south Essex dad
Two young girls are preparing to take on the Mini London Marathon to raise funds for a children's hospice in south Essex, as a heartfelt thank you for the support they received. Seven-year-old Chloe Bache, who is supported by Little Havens Children's Hospice in Thundersley, and her friend Amalie Smith, 11, will participate in the mini marathon on April 26. The pair, who both live in Rayleigh, will run in memory of Chloe's dad, Charlie. The girls, who are both students at Razzamataz Theatre School, where Chloe's mum Charlotte teaches, have seen the care and support provided by Little Havens first-hand. Both Chloe and her mum receive support from the hospice's Wellbeing Team. Chloe attends a therapeutic support group called Headspace, which helps children who have lost a loved one to process their grief through art, mindfulness, and play. Chloe and Amalie's school, Edward Francis Primary, applied for spaces in the Mini London Marathon. Chloe, inspired by her mum Charlotte who ran the London Marathon in 2023, was determined to participate. Both girls were successful in the school's ballot and secured a place in the marathon. Charlotte said: "Both girls are super excited about the day, it's going to be special in so many ways. "They are desperate to raise as much money as possible so that Little Havens can continue to care and support families like ours. "It is a way for the girls to give back to the charity that has supported me and Chloe." The girls are keen to raise as much money as possible for the hospice. Those who wish to support Chloe and Amalie can donate to their JustGiving pages at and Little Havens provides specialist care for babies, children, and young people living with complex or incurable conditions in Essex. The hospice also offers wellbeing and bereavement support to families, ensuring they receive the right help when needed. This care is provided free of charge, thanks to the support from fundraisers like Chloe and Amalie.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Five-year-old diagnosed with leukaemia set to raise funds for south Essex hospice
A FIVE-year-old boy who has been supported by Little Havens Hospice since been diagnosed with leukaemia is taking part in a charity challenge as a thank you. Dexter Clarke-Duggan was diagnosed with B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2023 just after his third birthday. During the early stages of his treatment, he struggled with trauma, anxiety and a loss of trust in others, caused by his medical procedures. Since then, he has been supported by Little Havens Hospice, in Thundersley, and the support has become a lifeline for him and his family. Now, he will be taking on the challenge of walking on Lego as part of a fundraiser on April 12 in Chelmsford. His mother Aimee, who is supporting him with his Lego Walk challenge, said: 'He stopped walking, he would barely talk, and he hid in his pushchair with his arm covering his face. But when he was referred to Little Havens for play therapy, things started to change. 'By the end of his sessions, Dexter was back to his cheeky, funny, energetic self, running around the hospice full of confidence.' Excited - Dexter Clarke-Duggan (Image: Havens hospices) The specialist care Dexter received at Little Havens didn't stop there. After completing his therapy, he continued attending weekly stay and play sessions, which he still looks forward to during school holidays. Aimee said, 'Dexter loves Little Havens, and he loves Lego, so it seemed like a perfect match. He was so excited about the idea of raising money for his friends at Little Havens.' For Dexter's family, Little Havens has provided not only vital care but also a sense of community and emotional support during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Aimee added: 'At the very start of Dexter's journey, it was a safe place to go when he was too poorly to be in normal places with other children. Over time, it became a haven for both of us. Meeting other families facing similar struggles has made such a difference. Little Havens has helped me feel less alone and given me a network of people who understand what we're going through. 'Dexter loves everyone at Little Havens. It's the place he feels most himself. I'm so grateful for the incredibly kind, caring and passionate staff there who make him feel safe and happy. I honestly don't know where we would be without them. I love the feeling when we walk through the doors, and I don't have to worry about anything as I know he is safe and happy.' To support Dexter with a donation, visit
