Francis House Children’s Hospice has launched its Christmas Appeal, Love and Life, with a moving new film highlighting the support it provides to families of seriously ill children.
The appeal features a family from Dukinfield and is narrated by mum Jen East, whose 11-year-old daughter Florence has a life-limiting condition and was not expected to live beyond the age of ten.
The film premiered at the charity’s Christmas Ball at Mottram Hall, which raised approximately £25,000 on the night.
The hospice hopes the appeal will boost funds for its wide-ranging services that support the entire family, not just the child with complex needs. These include respite stays, sibling support, homecare, day care and emotional support.
Francis House has served Greater Manchester families for 34 years and in that time has supported more than 1,500 families, offering a warm, welcoming home-from-home and helping children and parents make treasured memories.
For Jen, the hospice has become a lifeline. Florence was referred to Francis House in 2017 when she was just two years old, and the whole family, including Jen’s teenage son Riccardo, have visited regularly for respite care ever since.
As a toddler, Florence’s development stopped and she was diagnosed with Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis, a life-limiting regressive condition. She can no longer walk, talk or sit up unaided and requires round-the-clock care.
“Florence is a real character,” Jen said. “She’s got a cheeky smile and a great sense of humour and she absolutely loves socialising and taking part in the activities at Francis House.
“When Florence was diagnosed, our world was turned upside down. We were told she wouldn’t live past the age of ten and to go home and make memories. Someone told me about Francis House and when we went for lunch, it immediately felt like a home from home. It was calm and full of love.
“Most people think of hospices as end-of-life places but for us it’s like a second home. They’re there for Florence, but they’re also there for me as a mum and for Riccardo as a teenager who has to cope with everything that comes with having a sibling with a life-limiting condition.
“Riccardo absolutely loves it at Francis House. They take as much care of him as they do Florence. He gets days out and can mix with other siblings who understand what he’s going through.
“Florence gets to try new things, spend time with play specialists and have fun. When she comes home, you can see in her face how much she’s enjoyed it. We couldn’t live without the support Francis House gives us.”
Francis House costs £5.8 million a year to run, supporting more than 435 families across Greater Manchester.
Rachael Taylor, chief executive of Francis House, said: “Jen and Flo’s story is just one example of the many families we support all year round. Francis House offers so much more than respite care. It’s a place where memories are made and lives are lived to the fullest. As demand continues to rise, we rely on the support of our community to keep these services going. Any help you can give this Christmas is greatly appreciated.”
For more information, to donate or to watch the appeal film, visit:
https://www.francishouse.org.uk/jen-flo-and-riccardo-story/