Our gratitude to the supporters of children’s hospice’s work

LAST year local supporters of the Martin House hospice funded care for 340 children and young people living with a life-limiting condition, from across the Yorkshire region, and supported their families. This care included a wide range of services; short breaks, symptom control, specialist medical and nursing care, end of life care and bereavement support.

I would like to thank your readers for their generous contributions, unwavering support and continued loyalty, as without this we would not be in a position to offer this care, at no cost to our families.

Our care is delivered at the hospice in Boston Spa and also in the children’s homes across the county. Martin House has been at the forefront of the philosophy and delivery of children’s hospice care for the past 26 years, not just in the UK but throughout the world, and we are continually looking to improve and develop our services.

In 2014 our plans include completing the refurbishment 
of our Den, where teenagers 
can relax and socialise, making the most of all the latest technology.

We also plan to refurbish a number of our family rooms and upgrade our outdoor play area for the younger children.

The community we serve, which is a large geographical area covering East, West and North Yorkshire, has been instrumental in the success of Martin House in 2013, contributing over £3m towards our £4.6m annual running costs.

This included, but was not restricted to, 2,557 lottery players taking part in our weekly lottery; 23 people jumping out of a plane to raise sponsorship; over 200 runners who took part in the first Yorkshire Marathon in an orange Martin House running vest raising over £60,000 between them; and the 31 local wedding couples who got married in 2013 and gave our wedding favours as gifts to guests.

As diverse as they are numerous, donations from your readers play a hugely important part in ensuring that the families who need our support, continue to receive it.

Since my appointment in September last year, I have been inspired by both the ethos and values of the Martin House and the commitment and dedication of its highly skilled staff and volunteers.

I have seen for myself how the family is placed at the forefront of everything that the hospice does and how our support can be a lifeline for families facing challenges that they never imagined they would have 
to face.

Once again I thank you for your support and wish you all the best for 2014.