Julia’s House has launched a summer fundraiser at the start of Children’s Hospice Week which runs from 21-27 June.

Mike Bartlett, deputy CEO of Julia’s House said: “Many of the seriously ill children and families we support have been pushed to their limits over the last year. The pandemic has been isolating and exhausting for them and we have been by their side to give them a much needed break and keep them going.

“More and more families rely on our vital support and we need to continue raising funds to help everyone who needs us. We’re launching the Julia’s House Get Together. As we are all starting to get back together with our own family and friends, we would love people to hold a special celebration and fundraise for us, so we can keep on caring for local families.”

The Julia’s House Get Together invites you to host a special event for your friends, families or colleagues this summer. It couldn’t be easier – choose a date and venue, pick a theme from a midsummer BBQ to a cocktail evening, invite your guests and in return ask them to raise money that will provide care, comfort and support for families with the most seriously ill children. To get you inspired, the Julia’s House website has some great resources including recipe ideas, fundraising tips and a personalised invitation.

Here is a story from someone helped by Julia’s House.

Tammy juggles life caring for her two children – teenage daughter Talee and 10-year old Tehya, who has a rare genetic condition which affects her growth, her breathing and her muscles. As a baby Tehya also developed retinal cancer and had to have an eye removed and a prosthetic eye fitted. The lockdowns were particularly hard for the family.

Tammy said: “If I knew what lay ahead of us, I feel like I would have breathed in and just not breathed out. We moved house at the start of lockdown, too.  It felt like we lost everything overnight – our home, our family and our support network.  We felt so isolated and alone, but Julia’s House was a lifeline. The nurses and carers called me all the time and would pick up medicine and other essentials for us, or collect Tehya in her wheelchair and take her out for a long walk. I couldn’t imagine our lives without them. It’s just a total support network.”

By hosting a get together with your friends and family you can play your part in helping Julia’s House provide this vital lifeline of support. And as a thank you, when you raise more than £100 you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury hamper from Cherry Picked Hampers and vouchers for Hall & Woodhouse worth £100.

Sign up by visiting juliashouse.org/get-together