Secret Santa
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is holding a Secret Santa fundraiser in the run up to Christmas for local children whose mum, dad or grandparent has cancer.
With your help, the charity can make life a little bit better for those children at a devastating and confusing time in their lives.
Cancer Focus NI Family Support Coordinator Rachel Smith said: “Our service can help bereaved families through their trauma, we make home visits, help parents talk to their children about cancer, and help a parent write or record their last words to their children.
“The children have outings and get-togethers when they can talk about how they are feeling or make memory boxes and fill them with treasures to help them remember their loved ones. And we provide books for young children to help them understand more when their mummy or daddy is sick. It is such rewarding work, though often very sad too.”
This December Cancer Focus NI is asking you to be a Secret Santa – all you have to do is make a donation simply by phoning our hotline on 028 9068 0740 or by texting Kidz08 £10 to 70070 – and know that your money is going to a wonderful cause.
David Telford, from Downpatrick, and his daughters Emma and Evie used the service before and after mum Lorna passed away from cancer. David said: “It’s amazing to know that when your tomorrows are running out there are people to listen, support and walk with you ever step of the way.”
Other valuable work that Cancer Focus NI does with children includes bedside art therapy for sick children, and cancer prevention work in schools encouraging children to eat well, exercise, not to smoke and to take care in the sun.
- If anyone has any concerns about cancer call the Cancer Focus NI free helpline on 0800 783 3339 and speak to a specialist nurse
- Visit our website on www.cancerfocusni.org
- Secret Santa donation – call 028 9068 0740 or text Kidz08 £10 to 70070
