Thank You to the Eckersley family
Eckersley House was first opened in 1984 by HRH the Duchess of Kent. It was created as a bequest of Robert Eckersley, the late husband of Dolores and father of Mark, Julian, Louise and stepson Simon. In 1994, The Sick Children’s Trust extended and refurbished the building and it was officially opened, once again, by HRH the Duchess of Kent.
Eckersley House at Leeds General Infirmary opened in July 2010. The Sick Children’s Trust is very grateful to the Eckersley family for their founding of the original Eckersley House and to Dolores Halpern (nee Eckersley) for her generous support of this house at Leeds General Infirmary.
Dolores says: "The original idea for Eckersley House emerged through my discussions with Professor Sir Roy Meadow, a Paediatrician at St James’s Hospital. Professor Meadow cared for my son, Simon, who had been hospitalized many times since the age of two with a kidney disease. Professor Meadow stressed how important it was for sick children when in hospital to have their parents close by, so we created Eckersley House, a home for parents in the grounds of St James’s Hospital.
My late husband, I know, would be very pleased at the benefit so many families have received; certainly we as a family are very proud.
I have since remarried and my husband, Merril Halpern and I both admire and support The Sick Children’s Trust and all their efforts with their many projects.
We firmly believe that having family nearby assists a sick child’s recovery whilst they receive treatment in hospital, as well as helping to alleviate stress within the family.”
"This is a highly worthwhile charity!"
The house relocated to its new home at Belmont Grove in July 2010.