To celebrate Children’s Hospice Week (21-27 May) led by Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for seriously ill children, Disney has organised magical events in four children’s hospices across the UK. The events will offer families of seriously ill children a distinct Disney experience by bringing beloved Disney characters and stories into the children’s hospices giving families the chance to spend special time together.
At Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for Sussex, Disney organised a wonderful fairy and pirate themed party on Saturday 26 May. A magical environment was created in the garden of the hospice with balloons, Disney music and bubbles, with children wearing fancy dress and a visit from Tinkerbell herself.
Janet Parsons, Head of Communications at Chestnut Tree House said: “For the children and families who need Chestnut Tree House, it is all about making every moment count, the good days and the not-so-good days, living for the now. Thank you so much to Disney UK for bringing some special moments to Chestnut Tree House and creating some very precious memories for our children and families.”
Each Disney event has been planned to create special family moments that can be shared and highlight Disney’s commitment to support Together for Short Lives initiatives as one of their new strategic partners.
“Disney UK are proud to be supporting Children’s Hospice Week as part of our wider social purpose programme. By working with Together for Short Lives and children’s hospices we can create moments that matter for children and those closest to them when they need it the most; helping to build emotional resilience through positive shared social experiences.” Sara Hanson, Director – Charitable Programmes at Disney UK.
According to research by Together for Short Lives, playing outside was seen to be one of the ‘Top 5’ moments that matter to seriously ill children and young people. Now in its 21st year, Children’s Hospice Week is the only week in the year dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the lifeline children’s hospice services across the UK, and the thousands of seriously ill children and young people that they support. The charity is encouraging supporters to reflect on their own special moments with this year’s theme: ‘Life’s short’. It’s a phrase we all use, but it’s particularly poignant for children with life-limiting conditions. They simply do not have time to waste.
“Children’s Hospice Week is still the only week in the year dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the lifeline children’s hospice services across the UK, and the thousands of seriously ill children and young people that they support,” says Barbara Gelb OBE, CEO of Together for Short Lives. “Show your support for some of the most seriously ill children in the UK by sharing your #LifesShort moments on social media and donating on the Together for Short Lives website.”
