As an Essex-based business and working so closely with families, it felt right for the Basking Babies team to help spread the word, as well as fundraise for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity's Never Far Away: Essex Appeal.

Being able to support families by taking away the worry of funding temporary accommodation rather than have to leave their child in hospital alone and travel to and fro to visit, should not be an added stress during an already difficult time. 

Natalie, owner of Basking babies Brentwood, has worked first hand with the GOSH team and families during her role as a Fetal Medicine Midwife. Here is what she said: "Having seen first hand the emotional distress caused to families whilst their baby or child is in hospital, never gets easier to observe. Being able to offer families accommodation for the duration of their child’s stay in hospital, is truly important and brings such relief to all."

“Inspired by listening to stories from families who have used accommodation provided by GOSH Charity, and realising just how important it is to keep families together during difficult times, it especially hit home that situations like this could happen to anyone,” says Jess, owner of Basking Babies Chelmsford. “If it happened to you, then it is comforting to know that the option is there for free accommodation to be near your child or baby.

Keeping families together during difficult times is vital. Just £35 could pay for a one night stay in patient and family accommodation close to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), so parents from Essex and across the UK can stay close by while their child is in hospital. The new Never Far Away: Essex Appeal aims to raise vital funds to support parent and family accommodation at GOSH. £300,000 will give families precious nights close to their children whilst they receive treatment at GOSH. 

We are asking the people of Essex to get behind this appeal, together we can make a massive difference to the families who are going through a very stressful time, if we can ease one worry then it is worth it. Whether you can raise £1 or £100; it will make an impact to so many families. A 7-night stay for 2 adults in a budget hotel 15 minutes from the hospital would cost a staggering £815. This is simply not affordable for most families. Find out more at www.gosh.org/NeverFarAway

Thank you so much for supporting our cause.

The Basking Babies Team xxx