Starlight Children's Foundation
Starlight Children's Foundation is absolutely delighted to be supporting National Family Week. Even in normal circumstances family life is a demanding balancing act, but when a child is seriously ill, the whole family suffers and family life can literally cease to exist. Starlight recognises the importance of strengthening family bonds during these difficult times and creates magical wishes and special activities that give families some much-needed fun, laughter and time together. Starlight looks forward to being part in National Family Week and hopes that it will help us to help even more families going through such a worrying time.
Laura Smith, Communications Manager
Website: www.starlight.org.uk
Starlight Children's Foundation grants magical, once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides fun entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the country to brighten the lives of every sick child in the UK.
Starlight Children's Foundation was founded by Emma Samms (Fallon Colby from Dynasty) 22 years ago. Emma experienced first-hand just how devastating serious illness can be; she was only nine when her eight-year-old brother was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a then terminal illness. In its first year Starlight helped 4 children. This year Starlight will help 500,000 sick children throughout the UK.
Starlight moves mountains so that seriously and terminally ill children can live their dreams; whether it be a laptop for a teenager to keep in touch with their friends, a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Disneyland for the whole family; or something completely unique, such as one little girl's wish to bake a cake for HM The Queen! Parents often tell Starlight that their child's Starlight wish marked the turning point in their child's illness.
Starlight also brings smiles and laughter to all sick children, who are afraid and in pain, by creating fun entertainment in hospitals and hospices. Starlight Fun Centres and Distraction Boxes are used daily in children's wards around the country, and regularly Starlight puts on pantomimes, parties and Starlight Escapes; all designed to add sparkle to the lives of hospitalised children and their families.
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Cystic fibrosis sufferer Chelsie-Louise (16) was swept off her feet by Strictly Come Dancing champion Tom Chambers, who joined her onstage in London's West End for a magical waltz. Tom's surprise appearance was a dream come true for Chelsie and her whole family watched on with pride. Her mum said, "We were all in tears, she looked beautiful up there. It was without doubt the best day of her life... in fact it was the best day of all of our lives". |
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Carys, who is 17 years old, suffers from Rett syndrome. She wished to swim with dolphins, and enjoyed her magical experience with her two sisters, Lowri and Rhian. Her mum said, "The whole trip was amazing but, without doubt, the most special memory will always be the day we spent, as a family, in the dolphin pool. I just wish you could have been there to see the smile on her face". |
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For every £1 donated, 91p goes straight to helping Starlight's very sick children. Starlight lightens up a family's darkest hour, by bringing the whole family together to enjoy special time.
"When a child is seriously ill, the effect on the whole family - parents, brothers and sisters - can be devastating. By granting a magical wish for these very special children, Starlight brings the whole family together, creating wonderful smiles, laughter and unforgettable memories for the family to share whatever the future holds. With your support and donations, Starlight can help even more families forget their worries for a little while and enjoy a magical experience."
Neil Swan
Chief Executive
"We can treat a child's illness, we can work to make a child better, but it is difficult to make a child happy at this time: this is what Starlight does best in hospitals all over the country. Starlight leads the way in paediatric palliative care and their work is an important adjunct to the child's treatment".
Dr Antony Michalski
Consultant Children's Cancer Specialist and a member of Starlight's medical council.