In February 2013 our friends Emily and Nick lost their beautiful 10 month old daughter Cindy  

She was on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit waiting for a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Cindy was eventually diagnosed with MTP (Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein) Deficiency. It meant that her heart became unable to function without life support. Her passing was the most heartbreaking thing any of us have ever witnessed. She was the most perfect beautiful little girl. 

Since then the strength that Emily and Nick have found to move forward for their family has been beyond inspiring.  We are so proud to call them our friends.

When Cindy became critically ill, Emily and her family had to re-locate immediately to Newcastle 150 miles from their home so they could be close to Cindy all the time. They faced the possibility of being in Newcastle for many months.

They realised what it is like for families in this position who had to leave their homes, schools, jobs, friends and family behind with no notice to be near to their sick child and make ends meet whilst doing this.

In light of this they have set up The Cindy Appleyard Foundation to help support families financially during these immensely stressful times. The charity offers small grants to help alleviate financial hardship faced by families with a sick child in hospital many miles from their home. This can help fund accommodation, travel  costs and daily living expenses or general loss of earnings faced by families finding themselves suddenly far away from home and unable to work. So far the charity has helped over 80 families and is 100% non profit meaning every penny goes to the families in need.

On 21st March this year our amazing Carry In Karaoke team and Emily herself will be attempting to take part in a 12 hour non stop karaoke marathon to raise money and awareness for this wonderful charity. I cant imagine there is anything better than supporting families whilst they go through without doubt the hardest and most stressful thing anyone could ever deal with. 

We hope that you will support us, every penny counts so every contribution big or small with be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.