“Without respite care, a lot of people would be close to having mental breakdowns.” The number of children with life-limiting conditions has risen from 53k to 87k in the last 10 years (Make Every Child Count study). Advances in medicine mean more children are living longer increasing the need for our services. Our families often face poverty, social isolation and lack of support. Respite care is essential for families providing round-the-clock care alone.

Our families are in crisis. They urgently need more respite care stays. We can currently only offer 12 nights a year per family. These stays cost £2,300 per night and are only partially funded (£1,200) by the local authority, the shortfall of £1,100 must then be made up of supporter donations. We believe a life-limiting condition shouldn’t mean a limited life for both the child and the family affected. Respite care enables us to support those families.