Kate Middleton opens up about the importance of family in heartfelt note

She wrote the message in support for Children's Hospice Week

Kate Middleton has shown support from one of the causes closest to her heart, the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

This week is Children’s Hospice Week, a national campaign that highlights the vital work that these hospices carry out each day. From helping children with life-limiting illness be as comfortable as possible, to spending quality time with their families, and making their final days peaceful, hospices endeavour to ensure that each family receives the best possible care for their individual needs.

In the note that Kate sent to the charity, the mum-of-two spoke of the importance that families spend quality time with one another in ‘the most difficult times imaginable’, and called the work that EACH does ‘amazing, and life-changing.’

She wrote: ‘Spending quality time together us such an important aspect of family life, but for those caring for children with life-limiting conditions, even this simple act can be challenging. The practical realities of providing round the clock care means even activities that so many of us take for granted can be just too complicated.

'The amazing, and life changing support provided by children’s hospices and palliative care charities across the UK offers a lifeline to families under incredible pressure. This support gives these families the space they need to simply spend time together, which is so important in the most difficult times imaginable.

'I hope you will join me in supporting Children’s Hospice Week this year; we need to help families treasure their precious time together. Catherine.’

Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive for Together For Short Lives, explained how essential the work of EACH is for the 49,000 children affected.

'Caring for a child 24/7 can be exhausting, that's why short breaks are so essential and can relieve some of the pressure on families and help them spend time together, she said.

'Children's palliative care services across the UK provide vital lifeline support to thousands of families so I hope the public will be inspired to support Children's Hospice Week this year and help the 49,000 children and their families spend quality time together as a family.'

For more information or to donate visit www.each.org.uk