Short film shares Melksham charity’s emotive story

A Melksham-based charity has launched a new short film raising awareness of the vital support it provides to families with critically ill babies and children.

Evie’s Gift was founded in 2018 by Bryan Clover in memory of his daughter, Evie, who was born and raised in Melksham, and died from a brain tumour at just 13 years old.

The charity was established to ensure other families facing a child’s serious illness would receive practical support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The new film was created to tell the story behind the charity and demonstrate the impact its support has on families. It features Bryan alongside Harriet, a mum whose family received support from Evie’s Gift.

Charity manager Jess Hilsdon said, “The charity hopes the film will help more people understand that accommodation is not always available when a child is admitted to hospital – a reality many families never expect to face.

“By sharing these powerful personal stories, Evie’s Gift aims to increase awareness of its work, inspire more fundraising and donations and ultimately ensure even more families receive the support they need.”

When hospital-affiliated accommodation is unavailable or unsuitable, the charity sources and funds emergency accommodation, enabling families to remain close to their child without the added worry of where they will stay or how they will afford it.

Although rooted in Melksham, Evie’s Gift now supports families across the South West and beyond, with around 60% of referrals coming from Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Since launching, the charity has supported over 2,000 family members, providing thousands of nights of emergency accommodation.