Add life to days when days cannot be added to life

Caring for a child who is terminally ill or who has a severe medical condition is a very demanding experience for all family members. Demelza Children's Hospice- the only children's hospice caring for children living in Kent, South East London and East Sussex- is set within a 6-acre site in rural Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, Kent.

Children and families come to Demelza for (respite) short-term care, symptom control and palliative care, and bereavement support. Each stay typically lasts a few days. Families can choose to either leave the child in the hospice's care while they take a much needed break, or they may choose to remain with the child at the hospice and spend a little "quality time" with the child while the hospice staff take on some or all of the caring role.

The hospice treats each stay by a child as a "mini-holiday," organizing activities, outings and themed events in a bright and happy environment. Demelza also offers support groups for the siblings, parents and grandparents of a severely ill child to help them explore their feelings and share experiences and, if necessary, to cope with the loss of a family member.

Demelza does not receive any government support, and relies on public generosity to fund it's important work. The hospice currently looks after over 300 families. In order to continue providing hospice and bereavement care to families in need, Demelza must raise over £3.5 million annually.

To get an even better idea of the incredible service Demelza offers for families in need, you can also read the personal stories of those who have visited or been touched by Demelza.

To help ensure Demelza can continue this vital work, please donate today!!

For further information on the history and services offered by Demelza, simply visit the Demelza website (demelza.org.uk).