There are many children around the world that need urgent help and there are many excellent organizations that provide much needed assistance but I have chosen Rosies Rainbow Fund because there truly is no other charity like it.

Over  2000 people will receive an impact and will directly benefit from the ‘Sunflowers Under the Rainbow Tour’ but this does not come close to the number that it will help if we can help raise the funds and profile of such a worthy charity.

The story behind the charity

Rosie was eleven years old, clever, talented, kind, funny, mischievous, generous and exceptionally musical. Born into a theatrical family, Rosie had a love of all the performing arts and, although she was so young, had already appeared in numerous musical shows and many times in television and films.

She attended Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, which was founded by Rosie's grandmother and is owned and run by Rosie's family.

Together with her sister Ellie and two young friends she co-wrote, composed, produced and staged a full length musical called “Forever and a Day” which was performed at the Novello Theatre in Ascot in September 02.

In December 2002 Rosie became ill and was eventually diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare and devastating illness affecting the blood vessels.

Rosie was discharged at the end of April 2003. Six days later, at home she suffered a fatal pulmonary haemorrhage. She died on May 14th 2003.

During her treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Rosie expressed a wish to raise money for the new children’s hospital at Oxford, and to help other children undergoing lengthy hospital stays.

It became increasingly apparent to Rosie, and the family, how difficult a hospital stay is for the whole family to cope with. It can be an extremely lonely and stressful time spending months in hospital, and extensive support for the whole family is needed.

Rosie's mother Carolyn set up the fund to raise money through donations and events to provide care for sick and disabled children, care for their families and provide bereavement support for parents who have lost a child.#mce_temp_url#

http://www.rosiesrainbowfund.co.uk/index.php?page=about-rosie