Children's hospice appeal's stunning start

Just two weeks after the drive was launched in the Reporter Series and its sister titles, generous readers have already donated more than £2,600.

This will go to Martin House in Boston Spa, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield and Forget-Me-Not in Huddersfield who will jointly benefit from the unique partnership.

The Yorkshire Children’s Hospices Appeal is being backed by Johnston Press newspapers across the region and, for the first time the three hospices are teaming up to share the proceeds.

We are hoping to raise £30,000 over the next 12 months so they can continue to enable the families of children with life-shortening illnesses to make the most of their time together.

James Mitchinson, Editorial Director of Johnston Press Yorkshire, said: “What a brilliant start to our appeal. The families who kindly shared their stories with us have clearly touched the hearts of our readers, who we thank for their generosity so far.

“We hope that people across the region will continue to give their wholehearted support to this very worthy cause.”

The three Yorkshire children’s hospices help the families of nearly 1,000 children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Every year they need to raise more than £13m in total because only 10 per cent of their funding comes from the Government.

The appeal is aimed at making a difference by funding crucial nursing care which can enable a child to stay out of hospital or give parents who provide round-the-clock care a vital break.

Alyson Wort, director of fundraising at Martin House, said the generosity of readers had been “truly amazing”, adding: “The appeal has already raised the funds needed to provide a month’s salary for a care team specialist with advanced nursing skills, a fantastic achievement in such a short space of time.

“We are enormously grateful to the families who chose to share their personal and very touching stories during launch week.

“It has been an honour to be allowed a brief glimpse into their lives.

“On behalf of all three children’s hospices and the families they support, we offer our wholehearted thanks to all who have donated, and look forward to their continued support over the coming months.”

Jason Costello, the head of community fundraising at Forget Me Not, added: “Thank you so much to the readers for getting behind this amazing appeal.

“I urge you to let your family, friends and neighbours know about it and follow your lead in helping change children’s lives.”

Julie Hampson, corporate fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “If you’d like to start organising your own events, please do let your local children’s hospice know and we’d be happy to provide support.”

Donate to the appeal via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/YCHAppeal.

Alternatively, send a cheque, made payable to Yorkshire Children’s Hospices’ Appeal, to: Kayla Lindsay, Yorkshire Post, No 1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire; LS12 1BE. Please include your name and address with your cheque so we can claim Gift Aid for your donation.

Are you supporting the appeal? Tell us about what you’re doing via social media, using #YCHappeal.

Email [email protected] with details of your support.

Log on to www.yorkshirepost.co.uk to download a fundraising pack.