Sussex children’s hospice needs support during the coronavirus pandemic

Demelza Hospice Care for Children is calling on supporters of all ages to sport their shorts and raise much needed cash for the charity. Demelza, whose work is a lifeline to over 750 children, young people and families throughout Sussex and the South East, has seen a significant drop in income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Demelza Hospice appeal SUS-200624-145400001

The charity is asking people to wear a pair of shorts – the funkier the better – and post a photo on social media on July 2, donating via a fundraising link to help support the charity’s work.

Workplaces and schools are being encouraged to take part, even virtually. Why not hold an online meeting with everyone wearing shorts, design or customise a pair of shorts or download the fundraising pack from the Demelza website for more ideas?

Ralph, the star of the Shorts4shortlives campaign, has Dravet Syndrome, a degenerative gene mutation, meaning his brain capacity will continue to deteriorate as he gets older and he will lose the ability to walk.

Ralph cannot speak. Hayley, Ralph’s mum, said: “I try to get Ralph doing as much as he can for as long as he can, because I don’t know how long he’ll be able to just be a child having fun. I don’t know how long we’ll have him for. Demelza gives us a space for Ralph to come and be safe and happy, It’s changed life for us really”.

Tamsyn Clark, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Demelza said “When you have a child living with a serious or terminal condition, the idea that life’s too short is more real than for most. And in lockdown, this expression has more meaning than it ever has. Life is for living, and finding joy in every moment you can. Demelza’s help is needed now more than ever to help families like Ralph’s focus on each other and make lasting memories”.

Shorts4shortlives is supported by Demelza’s Celebrity Ambassadors, including Cheryl Baker, ice dancer and Olympian Robin Cousins, and Strictly’s Len Goodman, all of whom will be bearing their knees on the July 2 to raise awareness of the specialist care services provided by the charity.

To take part in Shorts4shortlives, for more information on the campaign and to donate go to www.demelza.org.uk/support-us/shorts-4-short-lives

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk, follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/demelzahospice or @demelzahospice on Twitter.