A young lady from Stevenage had her well deserved moment to shine when she presented a posy of flowers to the Duchess of Cambridge.
Seven-year-old Evie Farmer, who goes to Round Diamond Primary School, stepped forward and handed the small bouquet of violet and white flowers to the Duchess before answering her questions at a special event to mark the 25th anniversary of Keech Hospice.
The Royal couple were visiting the Luton-based charity, which provides specialist care for those with terminal and life limiting illnesses across Herts and Beds – and Evie got her moment in the sun because she goes to a siblings group which helps her cope with the fact her brother Charlie has an incurable illness.
Evie’s mum, Dawn Farmer, said: “She was bubbling with nerves and excitement but she did fantastically.
“She took it in her stride and handed over the bouquet beautifully. I can’t tell you how proud we were, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“It was very emotional to have everyone there together on the day.”
Evie has been attending the monthly Sparklers siblings support group since her brother Charlie – now nine – was diagnosed with infantile spasms, epilepsy and mitochondrial disorder, six years ago.
The hospice helps take the pressure off Evie’s parents, who live in Great Ashby, by providing day care for Charlie once a week – and alternative therapies such as swimming and reflexology. Otherwise Dawn and her husband Paul have to look after Charlie at home, where he has to be fed through tubes, with support from care services.
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