CTA members raised a fantastic £1,423 at a raffle during our Conference in February (doesn’t that seem a long time ago!). The money was donated to Martin House in Wetherby and we have just received a lovely reply from the hospice which demonstrates how timely this donation was, given the challenges for the sector with fundraising in the current environment.
“Thank you so much for this donation and your support.
“Hospices are an integral part of the healthcare system and have an essential role in the response to COVID-19. With only 10% of our running costs coming from statutory sources, and fundraising losses projected to be in the many millions of pounds, your donation right now is particularly appreciated. It means that we can continue to offer this vital care to those children and families most at risk during this time, and be there, fully, once again for those who need us when the situation eventually settles.
“Usually, Martin House would be full with families staying at this time of year, enjoying the gardens and relaxing in our new woodland hide or taking part in music, art or sensory sessions. At this critical time, however, things are much, much quieter at the hospice, but the care does continue.
“Our doctors and nurses are working to keep the hospice open to those who need it most, providing emergency symptom control to children and young people and ensuring that those families facing the worst of times can access specialist end of life care with support, dignity and time. Your donation could be used here to help with pain relief, through the purchase of a syringe driver. These are small, portable battery-driver infusion pumps, used to give medication subcutaneously via a syringe usually over 24 hours. The use of these ensures that the child receives the exact amount of medication required and the need for constant injections is eliminated, thus avoiding pain and distress. This allows comfort for the child and therefore comfort for the family in return.
“Our care is also continuing out in the community by our skilled community team. The team are working alongside colleagues in the NHS to prevent hospital admissions and offering video support to isolated families across the region. Your donation could have helped to fund 14 of these community visits.
“We are also still providing bereavement support for families also. For these families whose child has sadly died, we are still there for them, supporting them through telephone and video calls to understand their grief at a time when social distancing compounds their loss.
“Thank you so much for your support. We are truly grateful.”
