Manchester children’s hospice Francis House received welcome news today as a new charity partnership was launched between HR and employment law specialists Peninsula Group and children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives.
The partnership will run for three years, until March 2027, with the goal of raising £1 million to support the UK’s 54 children’s hospices that provide care for seriously ill children and their families.
Together for Short Lives will work alongside Peninsula Group’s two other chosen charity partners, DEBRA UK and Air Ambulances UK, to raise funds and awareness for Francis House and the families it supports from across Greater Manchester.
Francis House offers essential support for children and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, as well as their families. Their services include respite care, homecare, day care, sibling support, parental support, end of life care, and emotional and bereavement support. The hospice does not have an upper-age limit and continues to provide care for young adults into their twenties and thirties.
Children’s hospices rely heavily on fundraising to continue providing vital care to families. With the rising costs of delivering care, the support from Peninsula Group will go towards ensuring that hospices remain a crucial lifeline for families.
Employees from Peninsula Group will show their support through various fundraising activities, including marathons and quiz nights.
The partnership will also focus on celebrating the important work of children’s hospices during Children’s Hospice Week 2024, taking place from 17 – 23 June. This campaign week aims to raise funds and awareness for the UK’s lifeline children’s hospices.
Peninsula Group’s local office in Manchester will also visit Francis House to witness the positive impact they are making on families in need of palliative and end of life care.
Julie Williams, Senior Fundraising Officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “Each year, Francis House provides care for over 600 families from across Greater Manchester who have received the devastating news of a life-limiting or life-threatening condition in their child. We are here for these families through their good days, tough days, and last days. This would not be possible without the support of a caring community. We are thrilled to have the support of Peninsula Group and look forward to working with the team from the Manchester office.”
Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive at Together for Short Lives, emphasized the importance of donations for children’s hospices, stating, “Children’s hospices rely on donations to provide essential care and support for families across the UK. From respite care to specialist therapies, sibling support, and end of life care, they are there for families through every step of their journey. This is why the support from Peninsula Group is so vital. We are incredibly grateful to be one of their three chosen charities, and their support will help us ensure that seriously ill children and their families receive the best care and support they need today, tomorrow, and into the future, so they can make the most of every precious moment they have together.”
Peter Done, CEO and Founder at Peninsula Group, expressed his excitement for the new partnership, stating, “We are delighted to announce our new charity partnerships and have chosen three wonderful charities to support. Over the next three years, Peninsula Group will raise £1 million for each charity, for a total minimum commitment of £3 million. To achieve this goal, our employees will participate in multiple fundraising activities, starting with the London Marathon in April. The company will also enable employees to sign up for payroll giving, and all fundraising activities and payroll deductions will be matched pound for pound in corporate donations. We are determined to meet our £3 million minimum target and make a significant difference to each of our chosen charities over the next three years.”
Peninsula Group now joins Hobbycraft, Center Parcs, Disney, and Morrisons as one of Together for Short Lives’ national corporate partners.
