Claire House Children’s Hospice has thanked Duke Street Market for helping the charity continue to make memories and provide vital care in the community.
The Liverpool food hall and its customers raised almost £20,000 to fund a new car for Claire House’s lifeline day care services.
Claire House supports seriously ill babies, children and young adults, as well as their families, at its Wirral hospice, Liverpool site and out in the community.
Having a safe and reliable vehicle to take children out on adventures and offer the option of having day care in the family home is essential. Duke Street Market stepped in when the charity’s day care car needed replacing, raising the staggering amount by adding a pound onto every transaction throughout December.
Travelling safely and in style, some of the children and staff recently visited the city centre food haven for a fun afternoon of pizza, picking cakes and playing.
Claire Jones, the charity’s Care Coordination Team Lead, said the car is a lifeline for families at the toughest times, sometimes when children are just too ill or exhausted to leave the family home.
She said:
“We are so very grateful for this new car as the needs of our service is increasing and we are providing further day care to children and young adults.
“So, it’s essential we can support them with the specialist respite care they so desperately need. We provide safe care, look after medical needs and have fun.”
Day care provides a safe and fun session for many children while building positive relationships with Claire House. It enables happy memory-making, allowing families to rest, run errands or spend time with siblings.
Claire said:
“Our team often visit children and families at home to assess needs and provide therapeutic support and home care. Day care is offered at Claire House Wirral, Claire House Liverpool, within family homes and in the community.
“The children love getting out and about. We have been out for food, play areas, farms, bowling, the zoo, sensory play and parks.
“They really enjoyed going to Duke Street Market to socialise and laugh together and the parents were so grateful too. Luke enjoyed the pizza, Sophie’s favourite was the cake and Tobias loved the play area. The staff also enjoyed coming together and spending time with the children.
“The car being so robust, safe and a good size is vital, this ensures further safety and reassurance for families. For families who don’t drive, or don’t have access to a car, this is hugely important for ongoing support, respite and memory-making. Distance and driving through the tunnel can also be a barrier for our families, so our team’s ability to provide transport is vital.”
Lee Bannon-Smith, GSG Operational Manager, said everyone at Duke Street Market was proud to make such a significant difference.
He said:
“Christmas 2024 raised an incredible £19,227 in support of Claire’s House. This donation has helped provide families with access to a car, allowing them to enjoy precious moments, whether it’s a day at the park or food at Duke Street Market. These seemingly small experiences bring a sense of normality during incredibly challenging times. We are so proud to contribute to something that makes such a meaningful impact.”
READ MORE: LFC Elvis takes fundraising global for The Florrie
