A charity that provides vital care for children with life-shortening and incurable conditions from across Lanarkshire has launched its annual Christmas appeal for this year.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is looking to secure much needed donations that will give the gift of time and precious memories to the families of dying children in Lanarkshire.
Across Scotland, three children die of incurable conditions each week and the charity is determined to reach every single child who needs its help through the CHAS Christmas Appeal.
This year’s appeal includes radio and television adverts depicting the heartbreak faced by families whose children die young.
CHAS runs two hospices, Robyn House and Rachel House.
Some children are born with life-shortening illnesses or develop them, while others have been subject to tragic accidents. CHAS supports all of them and their families.
The family of Cally Miller know the heartbreak of losing a child, the then four-year-old was on her first holiday abroad when she almost drowned in a swimming pool accident.
Cally, a previously healthy youngster, was left brain damaged, wheelchair-bound and with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her family are grateful for the services provided by CHAS which included home care and respite visits at Rachel House.
Cally died aged eight years old in 2018, but her mum Kate says she will forever be grateful to CHAS for the special memories she made with her daughter, especially at Christmas-time. Kate still receives vital bereavement support from CHAS to this day.
Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, Fundraising and Communications at CHAS, said: “We know that the number of children living with life-shortening conditions is increasing as is the demand for our services.
“CHAS is determined to ensure that as many families as possible enjoy precious time together filled with happiness and joy this Christmas.
“We are committed to continuing to provide unwavering support to children and families in Lanarkshire and right across Scotland from the point of diagnosis right through to bereavement, but this would not be possible without our generous supporters who give love and strength to those in the greatest need.
“This is why we are appealing to the kindness of the Scottish public to donate what they can this Christmas to help us ensure that no-one has to face the death of their child alone.”
To donate to CHAS’s 2024 Christmas Appeal please visit: www.chas.org.uk/appeal
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