Charity hopes to ‘Bring in Spring’ in style as fundraising continues to feel the impact of the pandemic

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is urging the communities it serves to help it make up for lost time as its ability to raise funds continues to be severely impacted by the pandemic.

After the most difficult two years the charity has ever faced, Bluebell Wood has launched its ‘Bring in Spring’ raffle to help raise much-needed funds to support its vital care for local families. You can play Bring in Spring raffle here www.bluebellwood.org/win2022

As well as being in with a chance of scooping the impressive £2022 jackpot or top runner-up prizes, Bring in Spring players will be helping the charity’s team make up for lost time with families who’ve faced the most devastating times of their lives against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

Every ticket bought will help the charity support families like baby Isaac’s, who was born with a serious heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Isaac Needham sadly never got to live the full and happy life his family dreamt of. But, thanks to the care and support of Bluebell Wood, every single second of his short life was filled with love.

“When we got to Bluebell Wood the staff were all amazing and made our time at the hospice as comfortable as possible,” said mum, Emma Needham, from Retford.

“We never wanted him to feel pain and in the four days we had together he had a lifetime of love.

“We did memory making, made feet and hand prints and created memories that we’ll have for the rest of our lives. After he died the staff even sorted everything with the funeral home and looked after us until it was time to go.

“We honestly couldn’t be more grateful to Bluebell Wood for giving us that time and support at the end.”

As the pandemic continues into 2022, so too do the North Anston charity’s concerns about raising the £5.1 million it needs each year to fund its vital work. In 2021 the income generated by Bluebell Wood’s fundraising activity in the community was down 50% on the previous year, and there is no evidence yet that this trend will change in 2022.

Samantha Wood, Head of Fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “Since we opened our doors in 2008, the past two years have undoubtedly been the most difficult we’ve faced as a charity.

“We know we’re not alone in this, and we know that it’s been a challenging time for everyone with only more uncertainty ahead.

“That’s why we want to make sure that the children and families in our care have at least one certainty in their lives – that we’ll always be there for them.

“We’re very proud that our Bluebell Wood team has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to be a light in the darkness for local families, as well as alleviating pressure on the NHS through an incredibly challenging time.

“Now we’re urging those in a position to do so to support their local children’s hospice through these uncertain times, to make sure we can continue to surround local families with love and care for many years to come.

“Whether it’s playing our Bring in Spring raffle, taking on one of our events or simply making a donation, your support right now is more important than ever before.”

You can play Bring in Spring here www.bluebellwood.org/win2022 and there are many other ways you can support the charity which can all be found on the charity’s website here www.bluebellwood.org