A local charity has been shortlisted for a Pride of Britain Fund giveaway and has the chance to be awarded up to £2,500 to support its vital work across the UK.
Evie’s Gift provides immediate practical support with accommodation when parents are faced with over-subscribed hospital-affiliated accommodation and nowhere to stay while supporting their critically ill child.
The charity has been nominated under the Midlands category and it is now down to the public to vote for the winners.
“We are really keen to rally as much support as possible from our local community. Winning this funding would make a huge difference,” explained charity manager Jessica Hilsdon.
Evie’s Gift was founded and is based in Melksham after a local girl, Evie Clover, died of a rare and aggressive brain tumour at age 13. Following her death, her father, Bryan Clover, established Evie’s Gift to help support parents and carers going through the challenging journey of facing a child with a life-limiting condition in hospital.
If awarded the funding, Jessica said the charity will use this to directly support families of critically ill children in hospital.
“We provide immediate practical support in the way of hotel accommodation so parents have somewhere to stay to be close to their child,” says Jessica. “We include breakfast in our booking so that families have the opportunity for a hot meal and Wi-Fi, which all comes at an additional cost.
“This funding would allow us to reach even more families, ensuring that we continue making a meaningful difference. Evie’s Gift supports families across the UK working with children’s hospitals, including Great Ormond Street, Alder Hey and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. When children are receiving treatment for life-limiting illnesses, they may be in a hospital many miles from home.”
The charity relies on fundraising and the generosity of the public to continue its vital work. “Some of the ways we do this include raising funds through people completing personal challenges and events,” explained Jessica.
Evie’s Gift has spaces for people to run the Bath Half Marathon in aid of the charity and it also organises a Jurassic Coast hike. This year, the hike will be taking place on Saturday 10th May. It also runs raffles and places collection tins in businesses to boost funds; it is continually looking to work with local businesses for sponsorships and donation matching.
“We know we make a lasting impact on the families we support,” says Jessica. “Evie’s Gift is deeply aligned with the challenging journey of parents facing the unimaginable reality of hospital care for a child with a life-limiting condition, a journey that Evie’s own parents know all too well.
“Having faced this heart-wrenching experience themselves, they understand the overwhelming fear, exhaustion and financial strain that comes with being far from home while trying to remain strong for your child.
“Born out of their own experience, Evie’s Gift was established to provide vital support to other families in similar situations.”
The Pride of Britain Awards celebrates the extraordinary achievements of the nation’s unsung heroes and is marking its 25th anniversary this year, with the Pride of Britain Fund is giving £100,000 to supercharge the work of local heroes all over the country.
“Our mission is to ensure that parents can focus on what truly matters: being there for their child when they need them the most,” Jessica added.
Voting is open until Sunday 2nd March. To vote for the charity, visit the website https://data.reachplc.com/250124925273049
Pictured: Evie’s Gift fundraisers at last year’s Jurassic Coast trek
