Demelza supporters’ donations doubled thanks to generous match funding pledge

Demelza is encouraging people to donate to its spring appeal as every pound given will have double the impact thanks to a generous match funding pledge.

The Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation and the Kenora Charitable Foundation will be doubling all money raised through the appeal.

The appeal highlights the difference Demelza makes to families’ every day lives – brightening even the darkest of days with extraordinary moments and extraordinary support.​

Seven-year-old Daisy and her family, from Aylesford, feature in the appeal. Daisy has a complex medical history. She’s ventilated by a tracheostomy 24/7, has a feeding peg, epilepsy and global development delay. Daisy was in hospital for the first year of her life and when she came home, her family soon realised how vital Demelza’s support would be.

Daisy’s mum Fiona has spoken about how Demelza has been life-changing for the family, including Daisy’s sister Freya, and said she wouldn’t be able to cope without the support of our specialist nurses.

Fiona recalls that at first she was reluctant to take Daisy to Demelza because of the word hospice, but that everything changed when Daisy first went for daycare and she saw how happy she was.

“I couldn’t see who was going to be able to look after my daughter the way I could look after her,” she said. “But when I saw how happy Daisy was there, everything changed.

“Demelza has helped us in ways I didn’t even think they could help us, from taking us up to London for hospital appointments and bringing us home the next day, to entertaining Freya on the most fantastic sibling events, to making sure that Daisy is well cared for. They have supported us every step of the way.

“For any parent sitting there not wanting to get in touch with Demelza, take hospice out of your mind and see it as freedom. See it as quality time and as the biggest support you’re ever going to get on your journey.”

Demelza’s specialist nurses work across our hospices, in the community and at local hospitals. We’re here for families with expert clinical, emotional and practical support at every step – from first diagnosis and for as long as we’re needed. Our support is as unique as every family we help, and designed to wrap around their specific requirements and circumstances.

Demelza is aiming to raise £50,000 through the spring appeal. Every £1 given by our supporters will be matched, doubling the difference you are making for families in your community.

Demelza’s Chief Executive, Lavinia Jarrett, said: “The unique support that Demelza offers means families not only have the specialist medical care their child needs, but we also help them make memories to last a lifetime.

“For children with complex conditions, planning for the future can be daunting and we’re proud to be able to provide comfort in what can be the darkest of times.

“Hearing stories like Daisy’s are so heartwarming – to know our nurses are the difference between a family coping or struggling is a very special thing.

“And we couldn’t do that without your support. Due to the incredible kindness of the Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation and the Kenora Charitable Foundation, every £1 you give will be matched, doubling the difference you are making for families in your community.​

“So please, give today and be the difference.”