We are raising funds to support the Paediatric Critical Care Unit at Manchester Children’s Hospital and we need your help.

On Monday 22nd May 2017, the day of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, local lives changed in ways that none of us could have possibly imagined. Local girls Freya and her friend Nell went off to enjoy a concert together. Never for one second could we have contemplated the chain of events that followed.

Freya was seriously injured but over time and given the care and support she needs, we are confident that she will be able to rebuild her life. That’s not to say that Freya or any of the people involved will ever be able to forget the tragic events or the long and painful journey to recovery, but to learn to deal with, and come to terms with the future. None of us will be exactly the same again, we cannot be. We have experienced and seen things that people in a small Cheshire village could never expect to witness.

Nell Jones (14), a lovely, bright popular young girl tragically lost her life. Nell’s family are understandably devastated by their loss. The strength and dignity with which Nell’s family have acted is testimony to the values they share as a family and the wonderful people that they are.

Even when you face a very dark cloud there are always things and people that give us hope. One of those sparks for Freya's family has been the incredible experiences of life within the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. There is no doubt whatsoever that the care that Freya received in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit has been truly ‘world class’. We never understood that on our doorstep was one of the most accomplished, sophisticated and incredible children’s services in the world. It’s not just that they have the best and most highly skilled healthcare professionals you can imagine, it is the way those people apply their skills that matters most. Freya, and indeed her whole family, have been looked after and cared for by people who have made them feel important to them. They care for Freya with love, compassion and genuine feeling. 

So now we'd like to support a charity the family are fundraising for and show our support, as a local business, for the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of Manchester Children’s Hospital. We are launching our appeal and Justgiving page to raise money to support the team in recognition of the incredible support they provide to our children every single day. We want to support them to say thank you but we also want to ensure that when we need them in our darkest moment of need, they are here and waiting.

All donations from justgiving will go directly to the Paediatric Critical Care Unit for the staff to decide how best to spend it on behalf of the children and families in their care. We are also fundraising for a Garden of Memories, in loving memory of Nell and the other victims of the Manchester Arena atrocity. Together with cash donations, we hope to be able to split the funds 50: 50.

Everyone can help. Every one of our 750 plus swimmers will be raising as much sponsorship as they can to swim in their pyjamas, and they will need as much sponsorship as they can get. Everyone can give a little, whatever feels right. 

Thank you to everyone for your support - it means so much!

Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire