Demelza

Demelza and Lifelites: Partners from the Beginning

Demelza is one of Lifelites’ longest partnerships. We donated our very first package of technology in September 1999 to Demelza in Kent. Back then, the technology we provided was desktop-based PCs, so things have come a long way!

We are proud to announce that we will be delivering and installing a brand-new package of technology, training and support to Demelza’s East Sussex site in late 2025. This means that all three of Demelza’s sites will be able to offer our inclusive technology to children living with life-limiting conditions and complex disabilities.

As part of our 25 Voices series, we’re exploring a relationship that has spanned a quarter of a century and impacted the lives of so many children and families.

Who are Demelza?

Demelza delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions. They provide specialist clinical care, day care and short breaks, practical and emotional support for families and siblings, creative arts and psychotherapeutic therapies, memory making, end of life care and bereavement support.

Founded over 25 years ago, Demelza is based across two hospice sites in Kent and South East London, with a community hospice in East Sussex. They also provide care to children and support families in their own homes, in the community and online.

The History of Demelza

Derek and Jennifer Phillips founded Demelza in memory of their daughter, Demelza Phillips who died of a brain tumour at the age of 24.

Demelza worked at a children’s hospice in Birmingham and was inspired by their work and its impact. She passed this inspiration on to her parents, who had the vision to establish a children’s hospice in the South East of England. 

Working with a small group of founding supporters, in 1994 Derek and Jennifer set up a charity that campaigned tirelessly, which attracted tens, then hundreds, and then thousands of supporters.

Finally, in 1998 Demelza’s Patron, the Countess of Burma, opened the hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent. As an architect, Derek designed the building himself. It is a remarkable structure – bringing together of beauty, serenity, and practicality.

In 2004, Demelza merged with James House, a charity established in East Sussex by Robin and Mary Gooch, following the death of their 11-year-old son James. This enabled the charity to provide therapies, respite and end of life care in the comfort and security of a child’s own home across East Sussex.

Finally, in 2009 Demelza was able to build and open a hospice in Eltham. They now serve the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

Demelza’s Impact Today

Demelza supports over 2,500 children and their family members every year.

Following the latest CQC inspection, Demelza’s Kent hospice was rated Outstanding, and the South East London hospice was rated Good.

In 2024/25, Demelza supported 842 families in total, including 166 new families, providing:

• 570 day care sessions (more than doubled since 2023/24)
• 306 overnight short breaks
• 1521 care at home short breaks
• 382 hydropool sessions
• 151 physio and aquatic therapy sessions (more than doubled since 2023/24)
• Clinical care to 70 children at end of life
• Support to 342 bereaved families (a 20% increase from 2023/24)
• 359 art therapy sessions
• 365 music therapy sessions
• 642 counselling sessions (a 41% increase from 2023/24)
• 7 gaming sessions
• 62 bereavement events and groups
• 33 sibling events
• 5040 volunteer driving hours

25 Years of Partnership with Lifelites

Karen Russell, Care Coordinator at Demelza, explains how Lifelites supports Demelza’s vital work:

“Demelza was the first organisation to receive equipment from Lifelites back in September 1999. We now have designated members of the team who act as Lifelites Champions. They work with staff and families to pull together a list of the new equipment needed, which is then discussed with Lifelites.

“New Lifelites products are brought out all the time. Children and young people are living longer and their needs are changing all the time, and Lifelites tech evolves along with them. They also respond to feedback on the tech and make improvements to meet user needs.

“Lifelites provide full support and training to use the equipment, including initial training days with new technology. They also repair and replace any equipment as needed, which offers us great piece of mind and gives our team the confidence to use the technology all the time.

“As well as the in-person training, Lifelites provides an online training hub, with helpful how-to guides and short, snappy videos. It’s easy to use, intuitive, and useful – even for tech-phobic people. Staff can train themselves and get more confident with tech, so it’s great for everyone.

“Once the installation takes place at East Sussex, Demelza will have received £150,000 worth of new equipment across our three sites in just over a year.

“Lifelites are also really supportive with any queries. They reply incredibly quickly, and nothing is too much trouble, they will do anything to help. It’s a lovely relationship which has grown over the years. Lifelites is a great charity to work with. They do what they do because they believe in the difference it makes, and they have always been there for Demelza.

“At Demelza, every child who comes through our doors brings with them a unique story, a spark of personality, and a world of potential. Thanks to Lifelites, that potential has the space to shine.

How Lifelites Technology Transforms Lives

“Their adaptive IT equipment does so much more than provide access to technology. It gives children the chance to take control, to make choices for themselves, and to feel the joy of independence. For those who are non-verbal, it becomes their voice — a way to share their thoughts, their laughter, and express how they feel. For others, it’s a gateway to creativity, to play, and to moments of escape from the challenges they face every day.

“Most of all, it helps them feel included — not as observers but as active participants in the world around them. Lifelites’ support transforms moments into memories and challenges into possibilities.”

Lavina Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer at Demelza, adds:

“We are incredibly grateful to Lifelites for their generous support over the years in providing specialist equipment for Demelza. This technology makes an incredible difference, enabling children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions to engage, communicate and enjoy life more fully. Demelza is reliant on organisations such as Lifelites to give access to equipment such as this. It allows children and young people the opportunity to explore their environment, communicate, regulate emotions, and engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their unique needs. From everyone at Demelza, we wish Lifelites a very happy 25th anniversary. Thank you for helping us bring joy and connection where it’s needed most.”