MELKSHAM charity Evie’s Gift has launched a Christmas appeal to help support families whose children will be spending the festive period in hospital.
Evie’s Gift was set up by the parents of 13-year old Evie Clover, Bryan and Patsy, after she died in January last year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Since March last year, the charity has been raising money to help families with the cost of two nights’ accommodation whilst their child is in hospital when free hospital or charity accommodation is not available. They also offer financial support towards food and travel costs.
This Christmas the charity is appealing for donations to help continue this support throughout the festive season, and also send small Christmas hampers to families staying at Ronald McDonald House – a charity that provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families.
Evie’s father and chairman of Evie’s Gift, Bryan says, “This Christmas, dozens of children will be spending Christmas in hospital, away from family and friends, critically-ill and some will be fighting for their lives. Their parents, exhausted from stress and lack of sleep will be with them the entire time. Evie’s Gift will be there for them, we’ll be open for help every day, including Christmas Day, providing the accommodation and money for food that so many of them need.
“We’ll also be sending each family staying at Ronald McDonald House a small Christmas hamper with a few little luxuries, to show them that someone out there cares. That little gesture makes a huge difference to families stuck away from home, and struggling to cope. You feel isolated from the world; we know because we’ve been there.
“You can support our vital work with just a small donation. While you’re at home enjoying your Christmas lunch, please spare a thought, and a few pounds, for those who will be sat next to their sick child in hospital. Please read about our work at www.eviesgift.org.uk.
“To donate, you can send a cheque, payable to ‘Evie’s Gift’ to 2 Farmhouse Court, Melksham, SN12 6FG or you can donate £3 by text by texting EVIE 3 to 70085, texts cost your donation plus your standard message rate. You can donate any amount from £1 to £20. Thank you. We are a local charity and every pound helps.”
