A charity providing accommodation and support for the families of seriously ill children has unveiled a major refurbishment of its Camberwell location.
Ronald McDonald House Camberwell, a free safe space for families with children in hospital, has undergone a huge £600k revamp.
The Windsor Walk House, located just a stone’s throw from King’s College Hospital, is one of fourteen houses around the UK, run by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.
All 24 bedrooms have been redecorated, new flooring installed, new plumbing fittings fitted, and access panels added in bathrooms to allow easy access for future maintenance.
Headboards and bedside shelving have been built in along with USB sockets for device charging and a new TV system has been installed throughout.
Sealy Posturepedic Beds, gifted by the company, are now in all bedrooms and a staff room has been created so that colleagues have a dedicated area to relax away from their working areas.
Richard Farish, Director of Estates at the Charity said: “The refurbishment is part of our over-arching reinvestment and long-term maintenance plans. It’s given the house a contemporary feel, whilst retaining the classic features of the beautiful Georgian period building.
“I’d like to thank Quest Interiors, based in South Kensington, who was our main contractor for the refurb, as well as the project managers from Mortimer Isaacs, who were fantastic throughout. It has taken several months to complete but was well worth the wait, as these improvements will benefit families and staff for many years to come.”
On Saturday, April 22, the House held an afternoon tea to celebrate the completion of the refurb. Guests included the Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Sunil Chopra, who attended alongside the Mayoress Varsha Chopra. They joined staff, volunteers, and families past and present, who’ve benefitted from staying at this vital provision.
Among the past families was mum-of-two Lauren Golden, who stayed at the House for three months in 2019, after her then eight-year-old son Charlie was hit by a car whilst crossing the road outside their home in Aylesham, near Canterbury.
Lauren said: “Charlie was taken by Kent Air Ambulance to Kings with a major head injury. Initially we were given a tiny room by the ward to stay in while he was in intensive care. Once Charlie came out of the coma and moved onto the ward, we were offered a lovely room at the Ronald McDonald House. This gave us a safe, comfortable place to stay, and our older son Joe came to stay with us at the weekends.”
Charlie’s injuries included four fractures to his pelvis, and he had to undergo intense daily therapy, including physio, speech and language and occupational therapy.
Lauren added: “Eventually, Charlie was allowed to come and stay at the house with us, which was game-changing. It made such a huge difference to his mental well-being.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is an independent Charity, which operates fourteen houses across England, Wales, and Scotland, providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation.
A Ronald McDonald House saves each family an average of £1,240 in out-of-pocket accommodation expenses.
Ronald McDonald House Camberwell, which opened in April 2000, provides free accommodation to the families of children being treated at King’s College Hospital London. The newly refurbished House is equipped with 24 ensuite bedrooms, communal lounges and kitchen areas and a children’s play area.
To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, click here.