Together we face unprecedented times. Together we face uncertainty. Together, with you, is the only way The Sick Children’s Trust can continue to be there for families with sick children in hospital. We can’t do it alone.
It is a worrying and uncertain time for everyone and there are many challenges we are all facing but for families with seriously ill child in hospital there is even more worry and uncertainty.
Our families tell us that when their child is in hospital there is an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. They can’t do anything to improve their child’s condition but what they can do is be there for them because of our ‘Homes from Home’.
The reality of the coronavirus for the families we support is that they may not even be able to do that. To be there for their child in their time of need unless people like you donate to keep our houses running.
It costs £2.2 million to run our ‘Homes from Home’ across the country and support over 3,500 families every year. It’s you who raises this money by holding bake sales, running marathons or organising comedy nights. All of these events that raise £30, £300 or £3,000 won’t be taking place for the foreseeable which means we need your support now more than ever.
We rely entirely on voluntary donations to support families with seriously ill children in hospital with a place to stay. Without vital donations we cannot do this. With your donation, we can be there so that families can be together. We want to give them a safe place to stay close to their child.
You can keep a family together during this extremely difficult time. £30 is what it takes to give a family a warm and comfortable place to stay just minutes from their child in hospital, but any amount you are able to give at this difficult time will go a long way towards us being able to continue to support families when they need us.
I know that this is a lot to ask amongst all the uncertainty, but I must ask. I must ask on behalf of the thousands of families that are worrying about how they can be with their sick child in hospital.
There are many things you can do to help. Sharing this message. Donating your lunch money. Donating your commute expenses. It will all go towards ensuring a child doesn’t have to face hospital alone.
Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive at The Sick Children’s Trust
