A DOWNEND mum is organising an appeal to support children and families affected by serious illness and bereavement at Christmas.
Fiona Corless is calling on residents, businesses and community groups to support the Ripples of Compassion Christmas Toy and Kindness Appeal, by donating gifts or setting up collection points where they can be brought.
Fiona set up Ripples of Compassion in memory of her daughter Ripley, to provide practical and emotional support to children and families affected by serious illness, treatment, loss and bereavement.
Ripley was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in January 2017, shortly before her second birthday, which she spent on the oncology and bone marrow transplant ward at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
She began chemotherapy and received a stem cell transplant from a cord donation in April of that year.
However in September 2017, Ripley’s cancer returned and doctors said there were very limited options for treatment.
She passed away several weeks later at Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice after receiving palliative care.
Fiona said: “Ripley had a positive impact on the lives of everyone she met and was a kind and empathetic little girl, who didn’t like to see anyone else sad or in pain.
“I set up Ripples of Compassion in her memory so she can continue to help others and her kindness and compassion can spread a little hope and light into the world.
“We support children and families affected by cancer, life-limiting conditions and bereavement, both during treatment and after the death of a child.
“My experiences during Ripley’s treatment, and after she died, showed me how much the smallest acts of kindness can matter.
“For many children Christmas is spent in hospital facing treatment, living with uncertainty or celebrating their first Christmas without a much-loved brother or sister.
“It can be one of the hardest times of year for the families we support.
“A simple gift and a kind thought can spark a smile and remind families they are not alone.”
For the Christmas appeal the charity is collecting new toys, games and activities for children and comfort items such as chocolate and toiletries for adults, which are packed into gift boxes.
Fiona said: “The gifts will be used to help bring comfort, joy and hope to children and families facing an incredibly difficult time.”
People can choose and donate a gift, buy an item on one of the charity’s Amazon wish lists or host a collection at a business, school, scout or guide group or other community organisation as an appeal partner.
To find out more about the appeal visit tinyurl.com/3ykwpa4z.
For more details about the charity visit www.ripplesofcompassion.com