Bestselling children's author named as a patron of Friends of Sussex Hospices

Friends of Sussex Hospices (FSH) is proud to announce that the world-renowned children's author and former UK Children’s Laureate, Dame Julia Donaldson DBE, has officially become one of its patrons.

Dame Julia, beloved creator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man, The Paper Dolls, What the Ladybird Heard, and most recently Gruffalo Granny, has long been a supporter of the hospice movement.  In her new capacity as patron, she will champion Friends of Sussex Hospices’ support of the hospices serving the adults and children of Sussex.

Dame Julia Donaldson said of her appointment: "I am delighted to step into the role of Patron for Friends of Sussex Hospices.  Our hospices provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care that focuses on compassionate and comprehensive support for the patient and family at a time when they need it most. This charity, which is run entirely by volunteers, has supported local hospices for over thirty years and I am very pleased to lend my support to their dedicated efforts."

The appointment comes during a landmark year for the author, who was recently recognized in the King's Birthday Honours list with a Damehood (DBE) for her extraordinary services to literature. Her patronage brings invaluable visibility to Friends of Sussex Hospices and will give an added boost to its annual Gruffalo fundraising event which the charity has organised since 2018. 

Kathy Sambrook, President of Friends of Sussex Hospices, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to welcome Dame Julia Donaldson as one of our patrons. Having Julia's support will significantly elevate our voice and help us connect with a younger support base."

Dame Julia is one of the UK’s most successful and best-loved picture book authors. Her career spans more than 30 years, during which she has written modern classics translated into over a hundred languages. Beyond her immense contribution to literature, Dame Julia is a passionate supporter of community welfare and serves as a patron to several key literacy and children’s charities, including Amaze, Read for Good and Storybook Dads.

Founded in 1995, Friends of Sussex Hospices is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the thirteen hospice care providers serving the adults and children of Sussex.  The charity is run entirely by volunteers and has to date distributed £3.8 million.