A CHILDREN’S HOSPICE has appointed a new trustee after his “invaluable” work supporting Muslim children with life-limiting illnesses.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green says it is “delighted” to have appointed Mohammed Omer to its board of trustees.

Mr Omer is a founding member of the Gardens of Peace Cemetery in Elmbridge Road, Hainault, which is the largest Muslim cemetery in the UK.

He has worked with the hospice in High Road on numerous occasions, giving workshops to staff and volunteers about how death is viewed by the Muslim faith.

Mr Omer has also strengthened links between Haven House and the Federation of Redbridge Muslim Organisations (FORMO), who raised £10,000 for the hospice last year.

He said: “I am proud to join such a fantastic charity that provides incredible support to children and families in our communities.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board to ensure the charity continues to go from strength to strength.”

Haven House’s chief executive Mike Palfreman said: “We are delighted to welcome Mohamed Omer as our new trustee.

“Mohamed has been a great friend of Haven House for many years.

"His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to us, as well as helping strengthen our links with Muslim and other faith communities in our local area.”

A third of the 337 children the hospice has supported over the last year have come from Muslim families.

For more about Haven House, see the website.

www.havenhouse.org.uk