Shooting Star Chase Make Christmas Appeal

Published on: 2 Dec, 2017
Updated on: 4 Dec, 2017

Local children’s hospice Shooting Star Chase has issued a new video to support their ongoing fundraising efforts for their care of children with a life-limiting condition.

In a press release, they say: “…every moment counts. So this Christmas we are asking you to help with a range of virtual gifts you can buy for families to help create precious memories they can cherish forever.

The charity offers care from diagnosis to end of life and in bereavement. As well as supporting families through the heart-breaking moments they say no parent should ever have to experience. Their aim is to create special moments to provide invaluable support to the families they care for.

Their spokesperson continued: “Some families rarely see their child smile, so a gift of a session in the sensory room can make that happen. Equipped with a range of specialist facilities including musical floors, fibre optics, mirrors, lights, bubble tubes and water beds, sensory rooms serve as a place that can help relax, sooth and stimulate enjoy.

“A gift of a memory box is another vital way to support families, giving them a chance to take part in precious activities together such as making hand casts, and collecting treasured and sentimental items in one place.

Many of the children Shooting Star Chase care for are unable to speak and otherwise struggle to express themselves, so a gift of a music therapy session gives children the opportunity to communicate in new and profound ways.

97% of parents supported by Shooting Star Chase say their child’s condition impacts on day-to-day activities. On a “Hospice at Home” visit, fully qualified nurses and carers give parents the gift of a few crucial hours. Parents can spend time with their other children to create special memories, take a rare trip out, or simply catch up on sleep.

And a short break at one of Shooting Star’s hospices allows families time together, away from being carers, to enjoy being a family. They have access to the full range of facilities, including a sensory room, soft play, hydrotherapy, arts and crafts and various therapeutic activities. It’s also an opportunity for parents to get some much-needed rest and have meals cooked for them, while fully-qualified nurses look after their child’s medical needs.

The Shooting Star statement concludes: “It’s of vital importance to families that Shooting Star Chase can create these moments – watch the video of supported mum, Nicky, as she tells of the moments she’ll never forget.

For more information about the gifts available to buy visit www.shootingstarchase.org.uk/moments