Children suffering from cancer were treated to a garden party with karaoke, pottery and yoga.

The young patients and their families met with others living through the same experiences at the celebrations in Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green on Sunday, September 9.

Hospice staff teamed up with the paediatric oncology team at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone to ensure guests had the chance to meet professionals and discuss living with childhood cancer while at the same time have fun.

Karen Dempsey, whose son is recovering from leukaemia, shared her experience with others on the day.

Ms Dempsey of Waltham Forest said: “Having a child with cancer is tough and emotionally draining.

“Hopefully we as a family have been able to impart just a few of the lessons we learned that helped us through, which might assist others in a similar situation, to make their lives a little easier.”

Andrea Leigh, consultant paediatrician at Whipps Cross Hospital said: “Our garden party was an opportunity to give families advice from our experts in a way that they could all have fun, as well as meet other people in the local area who have gone or may be going through similar situations.”