CHAS launches Christmas fundraising appeal to help give children from Lanarkshire the gift of time

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has kicked off its annual Christmas fundraising campaign to support children with life-shortening and incurable conditions in Lanarkshire. The charity aims to raise crucial funds to provide families with the invaluable gift of time and create lasting memories for children facing terminal illnesses in the region.

CHAS is focused on reaching out to every child in need of their services through the Christmas Appeal. In Scotland, three children lose their lives to incurable conditions every week, highlighting the urgent need for support for these families. The appeal features emotional radio and television adverts showcasing the challenges faced by families dealing with the loss of a child.

The charity operates two hospices, Robyn House and Rachel House, offering care and support to children with life-shortening illnesses, including those affected by tragic accidents. One such family is that of Cally Miller, who suffered a life-altering accident at age four. Despite the challenges she faced, CHAS provided vital care, home visits, and support to Cally and her family until her passing at the age of eight in 2018. Her mother, Kate, remains grateful to CHAS for the precious memories created during Cally’s final years.

Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement at CHAS, emphasised the increasing demand for their services due to the rising number of children living with life-shortening conditions. The charity is dedicated to offering unwavering support to families in Lanarkshire and across Scotland, from diagnosis to bereavement. McAndrew highlights the importance of public donations to ensure that families facing the death of a child do not have to endure it alone.

To support CHAS’s Christmas Appeal and help provide comfort and joy to families during the festive season, donations can be made at www.chas.org.uk/appeal.

**Insights:**
CHAS plays a crucial role in supporting children and families facing unimaginable challenges due to life-shortening illnesses. By highlighting individual stories like that of Cally Miller, the charity brings attention to the profound impact of their services. The Christmas Appeal serves as a reminder of the significance of compassion and generosity in providing comfort and solace to those experiencing immense hardship during the holiday season. With continued community support, CHAS can uphold its mission of ensuring that no family faces the loss of a child without adequate care and support.