Last night, we celebrated our 15th anniversary with cake and refreshments at the Caroline Thorpe children's ward.

Founded in 2009 to support families who have a child diagnosed with a life threatening illness or condition, our charity has helped 145 families and paid out over £150,000 in financial assistance.

We also work closely with the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward to identify improvements that can be made on the ward to make it more comfortable for patients and their families. In the last 15 years, we've funded a new play room, parent’s room, transformed four cubicle bedrooms and provided a 3D pain distraction unit. We also help keep the play room stocked and supply parking permits for families who have to spend long periods of time on the ward with their children.

Three founders of the charity, Jacky Massos, Fran Greenaway and Jenny Birch, are still trustees today. Jacky experienced first-hand how difficult life becomes when you have a very poorly child. Her son, Jason was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was four years olds and spent three years fighting the disease at Bristol hospital. Travelling and spending long periods away from home created financial as well as emotional pressure on the family. Once Jason was in remission, Jacky spoke to Fran, the play specialist at the children’s ward, and cancer nurse Jenny about what could be done to support families going through the same struggle. And so, Care for Kids North Devon was formed. 

Charity Founder and Trustee, Jacky Massos says: “I can’t really believe 15 years have passed so quickly!

"As a charity we have remained small but the support we receive from the local community has grown and grown.

"I’m so glad our charity has made a difference to so many families who have gone through an unbelievably difficult time. Until it happens to you, you don’t realise just how difficult it can be to care for a very poorly child.

"We’d like to thank all of our supporters over the years, without whom we couldn’t have achieved this much, so thank you!”

You can wish the charity a happy anniversary by donating to the Care for Kids 15th anniversary Christmas campaign on JustGiving. Perhaps you could give £3, £5 or even £15 to mark 15 years? Or maybe you’d like to do your own Christmas fundraising in support of the Christmas campaign?

Head to JustGiving to donate or set up your own fundraising page.

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Our trustee and children's nurse, Sarah