IMPORTANT news for families caring for a seriously ill child and children’s hospices today as supermarket giant Morrisons announced they have reached £1 million in their fundraising efforts for charity partner Together for Short Lives.
Together for Short Lives is the only charity supporting the UK’s children’s hospices and families facing the heartbreak that their child will die young. Together with Morrisons, they are raising vital funds for children’s hospices across the country, helping families make precious memories, and reaching even more families caring for a seriously ill child.
Families like Emily’s whose little girl Amelia was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that means she will have a short life. Emily has been supported by her local children’s hospice, Keech Hospice Care and was thrilled to hear the news that Morrisons have reached this £1 million milestone:
“Thank you so much, this really means so much to families like mine. It will help make important things happen for children’s hospices and Together for Short Lives.”
Morrisons customers and suppliers have supported the charity through cash donations in-store and online and have purchased products involved in the supermarket’s ‘Every Pack Gives Back’ initiative.
Colleagues at Morrisons stores across the country have also been raising vital funds through all sorts of creative and innovative ways, from glamorous black-tie gala events, brave skydives, fun golf days, tough mudders and incredible in-store fundraisers. Many of the activities have been match-funded by the Morrisons Foundation which supports colleagues in raising money for charities including Together for Short Lives.
The money raised so far can help pay for:
- 680 families to have respite care at their local hospice, giving them time to just be a family
- 5 fully-accessible play areas so that children can experience the joy and freedom of play
- 40 families to have the chance to make precious memories – making every special occasion count, as families know that one day they will be facing their last together
- 3 Community Support Workers to reach thousands more families that need support.
Morrisons hope to raise £10 million over the three-year partnership to ensure every family caring for a seriously ill child gets the support they need.
Together for Short Lives CEO, Andy Fletcher said:
“The creativity and enthusiasm shown by Morrisons colleagues up and down the country during the first four months of our partnership has been just amazing! A huge thank you from Together for Short Lives to everyone who has worked so hard to reach the £1 million milestone – it will make such a difference to families caring for a seriously ill child.”
Morrisons CEO, David Potts said:
“We’re pleased to have reached the £1 million milestone for Together for Short Lives. Our colleagues and customers are passionate about raising vital funds for local children’s hospices so that they can provide seriously ill children and their families with opportunities to spend very highly valued time together.”
