Demelza Hospice Care for Children is the only residential hospice in Kent, East Sussex and South London. They provide a wide range of services to children with terminal illnesses or conditions.
Demelza House was set up by Derek and Jennifer Phillips after the death of their daughter in 1990. Demelza, who died of a brain tumor, worked at a children's hospice in Birmingham. After visiting that facility, the couple wanted to give to their own community by establishing such a hospice to bring cheerfulness, affection and understanding to terminally ill children. Demelza's House was formed in December 1994. Through contributions from their community as well as further afield, they were able to open the doors in 1998.
Care is provided one to one with a team of highly skilled nurses and assistants. They offer residential breaks and day care and Hospice at Home Care. They accept any child with a life-limiting condition at any stage of illness or health, providing they fulfill the criteria.