Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, recently visited The Bluebells, a holiday respite house for seriously ill children which is run by Sebastian’s Action Trust in North Waltham.

The children’s charity provides respite breaks for children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses and their families, and also provides a wide range of practical support and assistance. They were recently presented with a Pride of Britain Award by the Prime Minister David Cameron.

Maria said: “It was a real pleasure to visit The Bluebells, the Sebastian’s Action Trust’s holiday respite house and see the fantastic facilities that they offer to seriously ill children and their families.  The services that the hugely dedicated professional staff and volunteers provide is truly inspirational.”

She added: “This is the only facility of its kind in the country and I can see that a break here can make a real difference to children and their families at a time of great need. We are fortunate that it is so close to Basingstoke, which makes it easier for local families to access this type of support.”