A MOTHER who founded a hospice for young adults after losing her own son has been recognised for her work by 10 Downing Street.
Denise Whiffin, of Bramston Close, Great Baddow, received the Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister's Office for establishing the J's Hospice 10 years ago.
She said: "If this award could achieve anything, I hope it helps to let other young adults in Essex know that there is age-appropriate care and support available to them through The J's Hospice.
"Our aim has always been to help young people to achieve their dreams and aspirations – nobody knows how much time we have and we want to help them make the most of theirs."
Denise was inspired to start The J's Hospice, which is based at Church Street, Great Baddow, in memory of her son Jonathan Whiffin, who had the muscle degenerating illness, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
During Jonathan's teenage years, Denise realised there was a dire need for hospice and respite care once young adults outgrew children's hospices.
The former Great Baddow High School student died aged 18 in 2002.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who founded the awards last month and lost his son Ivan in 2009, said: "Losing a child is the most difficult and most painful experience imaginable.
"But Denise has done an incredible thing in honouring the memory of her son Jonathan.
"She saw the need for a different kind of hospice for young adults and she's created it.
"Denise is an inspiration to us all and I am delighted to recognise her as a Point of Light."
Today, the hospice is providing care to more than 90 families across Essex.
It provides nursing, respite and end-of-life care, advice, bereavement support, social care and activities.
Their aim is to ensure that these young people are not just waiting to die, they are instead busy living.
Chelmsford MP Simon Burns, who is patron of the hospice, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Denise has been announced as a Point of Light by the Prime Minister – this is richly deserved.
"Denise's vision and determination has seen the creation of a charity that provides such important help, assistance and guidance to young people between 16 and 40 and their families at extremely difficult times.
"The Point of Light programme recognises 'outstanding individual volunteers'.
"Denise is a worthy recipient of the award.
"I hope that the publicity she receives from this announcement will generate further support for the excellent work undertaken by J's Hospice."
