Happy Birthday to Rainbows – children’s hospice turns 25

Around a thousand supporters visited Rainbows on Saturday 21 September to join in with our 25th birthday celebrations. 

Our CEO Dee Sissons said: “Once again we are overwhelmed by the support of the community. I would like to thank every single person who has joined us today, it is just fantastic.”

Party guests took a tour following the 25 years of our hospice, listened to ‘Tent Talks’ from staff about our vital work and enjoyed music from 13-year-old CBBC star Eva Rose. 

There was also a Bake Off cake competition for visitors, which was judged by celebrity baker Fiona Cairns and former cricketer Matthew Hoggard, who are both our Patrons. Fiona, who shot to fame after bakery Fiona Cairns Ltd was commissioned to make the royal wedding cake for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also created a special birthday cake masterpiece for visitors. 

Fiona said: “It was a huge honour and privilege to be asked to make the cake and I feel humbled to be involved with Rainbows, it is such a unique and special place.”

Over the last few months, supporters have also been knitting an array of flowers. These were showcased in our grounds as a ‘Memory Meadow’ and visitors who made a donation to us towards the project, chose a flower to take home with them.

Rainbows Patron Matthew Hoggard added: “It is an honour to be here today and help celebrate 25 years of Rainbows. Coming to Rainbows is always fantastic and it was great to judge the Bake Off competition.”

Visitor Wendy Towell, of Shepshed, was at the hospice for the first time. “What a fabulous place this is,” she said. “It is nothing like I expected, it is bright and cheery and there is so much going on. It is great to be able to support Rainbows.”