Charity Registration number: 511009
Just like many of our charity partners, Brian House fundraising has been hit hard by the pandemic. Social isolation has taken its toll and families are exhausted after months of providing 24/7 care for their child at home. This Summer should have been full of fun at Brian House Children’s Hospice. But the gardens were quiet, there have been no trips to the beach or park and no visitors as they continue to support their families the best they can.
Business as usual has taken on a whole new meaning for the team at Brian House as they strive to give their children and young people the ongoing care they need. The nurses are in PPE and in the circumstances where face-to-face contact is not an option, advice has often been provided over the phone.
To add to these already turbulent times the cancellation of one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events, came as another huge challenge. But this was not going to stop the Brian House team or the hundreds of volunteers eager to fundraise.
Last year the Brian House Night Run was a 7.5km run along Blackpool Promenade, under the famous Illuminations. This year it was a Virtual Night Run. Fundraisers received their runner packs in the post and were able to run their 7.5kms wherever they liked. 908 people took part in the Virtual Night Run overall and together raised £27,000 towards the running costs of Brian House Children’s Hospice.
We are incredibly inspired by the Brian House team as well as the determination of the public to continue fundraising throughout these uncertain times. It is with this in mind, that we are delighted to announce that The Kentown Wizard Foundation will also be sponsoring this years Virtual Santa Dash.
Linzi Warburton – Head of Fundraising says
“The challenge of Covid-19, national and local restrictions and a priority to protect the community we care for, we have had to explored new creative and innovative ‘socially distanced’ approaches to our fundraising. Our annual Santa Dash is a highlight of the festive season with 2,000 Santa’s take part to help paint the town red. However, with the fantastic support of the Kentown Wizard Foundation we can help spread some festive spirit across Blackpool with this year’s Covid-secure Virtual Santa Dash. Thanks to the foundation’s continued support families can still take part and help raise much needed funds for Brian House children’s Hospice and the communities most vulnerable children.”
