You may know about Sophie (in the picture), Sally’s beautiful niece.  She has a rare condition called tuberous sclerosis complex.  Sophie is completely dependent on her parents, Jane and Matt, for 24 hour care as she has between 60-70 seizures every day.   Despite all this, she’s defied many odds and is six years old and getting nearly as tall as Sally! 

Rainbows children’s hospice has given Jane, Matt and Sophie much-needed care and support making a huge difference to their lives and ability to cope with Sophie’s condition, particularly after her regular visits to intensive care.  Sophie loves staying at Rainbows, the staff are incredibly dedicated giving her one to one care, and she loves spending time in the multi-sensory room and with the music therapists.  She's always smiling and laughing and looking relaxed.  It’s truly an amazingly special place.

At present, Rainbows receives little government funding, and it costs over £2m a year to carry out their vital work, providing round the clock professional care and giving an opportunity for children to enjoy their shortened lives to the full.  Offering respite, palliative and terminal care for children as well as support for the whole family, from coping with the distress of witnessing the deterioration of a child to providing on-going bereavement support, Rainbows is there.
Do visit the Rainbows Website: http://rainbows.eazytiger.net/index.asp

One major project underway currently is “Building for the Future” – a £4m plan to expand the hospice to enable them to provide care for the over 18s as well as the under 18s.  This will also provide extra beds,  better facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, and improved play areas for everybody.  Other costs include:
Bereavement Support for families £17,500
One year's children's activities, including trips, audio/visual, arts & crafts £7,000
One month's provision of Community Support for families £2,950
Hospice staff training, conferences & counseling for six months £2,500
Hire, repairs, renewals of medical equipment for six months £1,700

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Rainbows Children's Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

If you sponsor Rainbow’s Childrens Hospice, know that the children and families who will benefit from your kindness are extremely grateful. 

Thanks so much for your support and we look forward to seeing you on our big day.
Love from Sally and Rob