Bristol based, children’s hospice: Always wanted to play Santa?

For most of us, Christmas is a time to create memories with family and friends and to reflect on all the magical moments you’ve shared together over the years.

But for some, the joy of the festive season is laced with the knowledge that this Christmas could be their last, all together, as a family.

Bristol based, children’s hospice at home, Jessie May throws an annual Christmas party for families in just that difficult situation. Throughout the year, the charity provides vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, in their own homes.

“We work to ensure that, however short a child’s life is, it’s filled with wonderful childhood memories,” said nursing lead Steve Wiltshire. “Parents, carers and siblings have told us how important it is to have moments of pure undiluted joy to look back on.”

One such precious memory for the children cared for by Jessie May is a Christmas party, and this year, there are plans to run a raffle at which every family in attendance will win a prize. Raffle prizes are detailed on a Wishlist, and all are designed to help the families to carry on making memories throughout the festive season and beyond.

Reagan, whose child Alessi is supported by Jessie May, said, “Alessi was given a gift by a generous supporter via Jessie May last year, and it was such a lovely surprise. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when you have a child with complex needs like Alessi, but thoughtful gestures like that made me realise that there’s a community of people who care out there.”

If you’d like to play Santa for a family supported by Jessie May, just pop along to the Christmas Wishlist here: Christmas Wishlist, and choose the gift you’d like to give.

And to make sure that no child misses out, those who are too unwell to attend the party will be given a £5 National Book Token. If you’d like to help out with story time, just purchase a book token here: Cotswold Book Room Book Token.

Your thoughtful gesture will make the world of difference to the families who need to make lasting memories this Christmas.

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