Our goal is to create Christmas memories families can treasure

Stepping through the doors of the children's hospice a feeling of magic and wonder fills the air.

- BY AMANDA STOCKS

Among the sparkly lights, Santa's sleigh and snow machine in the winter wonderland, a sense of joy and excitement shines through.

For it is here that many families will make precious lasting memories this Christmas.

The Treehouse in Ipswich, Suffolk, part of East Anglia’s Children's Hospices, is a special place where living life to the fullest is embraced.

The Treehouse has also captured the heart of pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who is an ambassador.

And actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones is a patron along with Kate, Princess of Wales.

Hailey Allen, 39, play specialist at the hospice, said: "Christmas is a very special time because for some families we don't know if it may be their children’s last Christmas and they want to make beautiful memories they can treasure."

Hailey has worked at The Treehouse which benefits from Lifelites assistive technology - for 15 years. She added: "Play is so important and is a right for every child and we find when children have complex health needs, play is the first thing that drops off.