Eighteen families came together to enjoy the Easter sunshine at a children’s hospice yesterday for a special springtime fun day.

They had a choice of fourteen different activities including live music from the charity Music in Hospitals and sensory storytelling by the charity Bag Books.

The families, who use services at Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton, also enjoyed music making, cookery and face painting, while they got a chance to get their hands dirty with seed sowing in the sunshine.

To fit in with the holidays, children and siblings also enjoyed an Easter egg hunt in the hospice’s award-winning gardens.

Morrisons provided some of the food free of charge for the day as well as a new bike to auction and a large collection of rechargeable batteries, and there was also a large donation of Easter eggs from the charity Lifelites, who are long-term supporters of the charity.

The day was just one of many family days that the hospice regularly holds as well as a range of support groups including their mum’s group, sibling group and babies and toddlers group.

Gowhar Shaikh who attended with her son Murad said: “It was a brilliant day and having lots of things outside was lovely. All the children (and the parents!) had fun and it was really well organized.”

Murad, 15, said: “The music session was the best thing. I’ve been singing so much my voice has gone!”

Rachel Flower, activities coordinator at Richard House Children’s Hospice who helped organize the event, said: “To have so many families here at the hospice enjoying the activities and the beautiful weather was fantastic. Days like this are so important for families, and help build lasting positive memories.”

On a busy day for Richard House, children and families using the hospice’s temporary residential unit at St Joseph’s were also treated to a special visit by Dr Gee Hee, one of the Giggle Doctors from Theodora Children’s Trust.