NEWI lends its support to festive hospice campaign

18 December 2007

NEWI is lending a helping to hand to hundreds of terminally ill children and their families this Christmas by supporting a local hospice’s Christmas appeal.

A Christmas tree provided by Hope House Children’s Hospice as part of its Christmas of Hope Appeal has been placed in the foyer at the Institute, and a Book of Hope has been situated at its main reception for people to write words of support for children and families at the hospice. This book will be collected and taken to the hospice over Christmas for them to read.

Local people are also being asked to help children at the hospice by putting a £2 donation in a collection tin, also situated at NEWI’s main reception, to pay for one of the tree decorations.

Hope House Children’s Hospice, based in Oswestry, cares for more than 250 children with life-limiting illnesses and provides counselling to more than 130 bereaved families from across North Wales, Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

Rachel Pike, community fundraiser for Hope House, said that 2007 had been a difficult year for the hospice, with more than 30 children dying, including 10 over a seven-week period in September/October, and that the appeal would provide a tremendous boost for everyone connected with the organisation.

She said: “We’re very grateful for NEWI’s support. It’s hugely important for children and their families at the hospice to know that people are thinking about them at this time of year.

“Christmas is supposed to be a magical time for children, full of excitement and mystery, but for some children and their families, around-the-clock care and support is still very much needed.”

Professor Michael Scott, principal and chief executive of NEWI, said: “NEWI is always happy to support the wonderful work which Hope House Children’s Hospice does in the local community. I would like to send my warmest wishes to all staff, children and their parents at the hospice this Christmas.”