Rainbows charity appeal nearly reaches £100,000

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young people in Leicestershire launched a fundraising appeal during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity which cares for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses revealed it faces losses of up to £1 million due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Since the outbreak, shortfalls have occurred because they were forced to close their five shops across the East Midlands, mass participation events have been cancelled and they are unable to hold any fundraising events. Schools, community groups and companies cannot carry out their regular fundraising and income from their Lottery is also down. 

Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, the appeal has now raised £95,000. 

Julie Taylor, Executive Nurse and Director of Clinical Operations at Rainbows, said: “Firstly I would like to thank every single person who has donated to our appeal, individuals, groups and companies. People have been so generous and we have been quite overwhelmed with the support. 

“Every donation really does make a difference, especially in these unprecedented times. Because of these contributions to Rainbows, we can continue to provide services to families who really need us; those going through the most difficult of times. 

“I would also like to extend the thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send us a message of support. We read every single one of them and they brighten our days.”

During the Covid-19 crisis, they have adapted the hospice and trained staff to be able to care for children from Leicester’s Children’s Hospital to help relieve strains on the NHS, and nursing them until it’s safe for them to go home.

They have also extended their bereavement support and counselling to every local family who has lost a loved one, as well providing an At Home Support Service, enabling Hospice Care Assistants to visit their families in their own homes. They are also continuing to provide emergency stays for families and end of life care.