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Maude hails Camp Simcha

March 5, 2015 12:35
Francis Maude and Rachely Plancey
1 min read

Cabinet Office Minister and Paymaster General Francis Maude visited the north-west London offices of Camp Simcha on Monday to learn more about its support for families with seriously ill children.

He met Camp Simcha co-founder Rachely Plancey, chairman Julian Taylor and chief executive Neville Goldschneider.

The charity came to his attention after Ms Plancey received a Points of Light award, recognising outstanding volunteering, from David Cameron last year. He had also heard about its work through Hendon MP Matthew Offord. Ms Plancey explained to him how Camp Simcha worked to support the entire family of a sick child.

"I think you have created something amazing here and it's an impressive story," Mr Maude said. "Part of my portfolio is the policy of charities and social enterprises - and as part of that, I love visiting organisations like yours.

"You began with an idea, saw a need and built something out of it. We are often not very good in the voluntary sector at replicating successful models in the way businesses would but Camp Simcha has done that here, moving from north London to a national scope."