Britain’s most successful female rower spent the afternoon at a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions.

Newham Recorder: Katherine Grainger with Richard House chief executive Peter Ellis in the Richard House groundsKatherine Grainger with Richard House chief executive Peter Ellis in the Richard House grounds (Image: Archant)

At Richard House Children’s Hospice, in Richard House, Beckton, Katherine Grainger CBE experienced the care that the hospice provides to children with life threatening conditions.

Katherine, who won gold at last year’s Olympics, spent some time with the residents and discovered more about the hospice by taking part in a sensory session for children and young adults.

Katherine said: “Today was the first time I’ve visited a children’s hospice and I found it had such an upbeat feel to it.

“You can see it’s a loving and safe environment for the children.”

Chief executive of the hospice, Peter Ellis, said: “It was fantastic to meet Katherine and tell her about our work.

“She took part in a sensory story telling session which the children really enjoyed, and they got a real thrill from seeing her medal.”

He added that they “look forward” to seeing Katherine again, as the children “really enjoyed” her time spent there.

In order to provide their services, Richard House needs to raise £3 million each year; this helps them continue to support the children, who are not expected to reach adulthood, enjoy a wide variety of experiences.