IPSWICH: Star readers will have the chance to be at the official opening of the Treehouse hospice - at which Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will make her first solo appearance.

Kate has chosen Ipswich to make her first engagement as the patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

And some lucky Star readers have the chance to be among the select few who will get to see her up close when she visits the hospice in St Augustine’s Gardens, off Bixley Road, in two weeks’ time.

During the visit on Monday, March 19, Kate will tour the facilities of the hospice, which was funded thanks to the amazing efforts of supporters, meaning the target of �3million was hit in just 12 months.

Kate will be shown the sensory room and music room, and meet children and their families who receive care and support from EACH, as well as staff and supporters. A private tour of the bedrooms and care area will also take place.

Following the tour, she will make her first public address, before planting a tree in the grounds of The Treehouse to commemorate her visit.

On January 5 this year the charity announced Kate had accepted the honorary position of EACH Royal Patron.

Graham Butland, EACH chief executive, said: “Everyone at EACH is honoured and extremely proud to have the Duchess of Cambridge as Royal Patron and delighted that she will be formally opening The Treehouse.

“This will be Her Royal Highness’s first public engagement as EACH Royal Patron and children, families, staff and supporters are very much looking forward to the visit.

“The visit will showcase the magnificent facilities we can now offer to local life-threatened children and their families, and celebrate the supporters of The Treehouse Appeal – whose generosity made the dream of specialist children’s hospice for Suffolk and North Essex a reality.

“Having our work recognised in this way by Her Royal Highness is not only a tribute to our staff and supporters, but a huge boost for the children, young people and families receiving our care and support.

“The Duchess’s support, including the visit, continues to help us increase the awareness and understanding of the full range of services we offer children and families, and really celebrates the great work being done by all children’s hospices across the UK.”

In November last year, the Duchess made a private visit to the EACH Milton hospice.

- To win a pair of tickets to the opening of the Treehouse hospice, buy a copy of today’s Ipswich Star or purchase the E-Edition paper through the website.