Help us celebrate 10 years of Care for Kids North Devon
We mark our 10th birthday this month and will be hosting an awareness event on Barnstaple High Street this Saturday, 26 October. There will be a colouring competition for the children (details below). You can also find out how to host your own Mince Pie Mingle fundraising event.
Our charity was established in 2009 by four trustees, Jacky Massos, Fran Greenaway, Jenny Birch and Jo Dunbavin. All had worked in children’s medical care, or in Jacky’s case experienced what it was like to care for a very poorly child of her own. Therefore, the four trustees identified a need for support for local families.
Supporting over 100 North Devon families
Due to North Devon’s rural location, very sick children are treated in specialist children’s hospitals in Bristol and beyond. As a result, staying overnight for long periods of time puts extra pressure on families. Care for Kids North Devon helps relieve financial worries. To date we have supported 105 local families by distributing grants to a total of £103,000.
Boosting the Caroline Thorpe ward
Over the years our work has expanded. We now also carry out improvements to Caroline Thorpe children’s ward at NDDH. Through local fundraising we have provided a new parent’s room, play room refurbishment and a 3D pain distraction unit. Last year we funded a £16,000 transformation of the cubicle 5 isolation treatment room. We are now working towards the refurbishment of an individual bedroom on the ward. With you help, we hope to complete this in 2020.
Our Charity Manager, Jacky Massos, experienced first-hand how difficult life is caring for a very poorly child. Jacky’s son Jason was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four. The family spent three years travelling to Bristol hospital for treatment. As a result, she was inspired to become a trustee of the charity, a role which she continues to enjoy today.
“I can’t quite believe it’s been 10 years! So much has happened since 2009 and we’ve had so much support from local families, businesses and volunteers. Together we’ve raised over £286,000, which is amazing. On our 10th birthday I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our work over the years. Here’s to many more!”
Join our birthday celebrations
Come and visit us on the High Street this Saturday. Or please donate to our ‘Give More for Cubicle 4’ campaign or host a Mince Pie Mingle fundraising event this Christmas.
Colouring competition entries
Download our birthday picture, colour it in and return it to us for your chance to win a small prize. Send your entry to Care for Kids North Devon, Suite 6, Bridge Chambers Business Centre, Barnstaple, EX31 1HB. You have until Monday 4 November. Our competition is open to under 16s only 😉 Good luck!
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