Partner Article

Children’s hospice receives a special donation

The North East’s first stand alone children’s hospice, Grace House North East, has been chosen as ‘Charity of the Year’ by a local medicines manufacturer and received a hefty donation from the Prudhoe-based business.

The Specials Laboratory, which makes unlicensed medicines – known as ‘specials’ – has donated an undisclosed sum to help with the appeal and will fundraise all year long with proceeds going directly to the cause.

This is the latest stage of The Specials Laboratory’s community initiative programme, which has seen the company now raise in excess of £100,000 for local charities including Tiny Lives, The Alan Shearer Centre and Carers Northumberland over the past 15 years.

Based in Sunderland, Grace House North East Children’s Hospice was founded by broadcaster Kathy Secker upon hearing that the North East had the lowest number of hospice facilities for children. The charity runs solely from donations. When open, Grace House will provide 24 hour care, 365 days per year to hundreds of families from across the region.

Jan Armstrong, head of marketing at The Specials Laboratory, said: “When we heard the North East had the lowest number of children’s hospice beds in the country, I knew we had to get involved with this appeal.

“Grace House will provide a safe and family-orientated home away from home for very sick children with a team of dedicated professionals to offer the most up-to-date medical skills and palliative care.

Over the last 15 years, the manufacturing company has played an active role in the local community, including engagement with schools, colleges and universities.

Founder at Grace House North East Children’s Hospice, Kathy Secker said: “We are delighted with the support and this marvellous donation from such an esteemed local business.

“The construction of the purpose-built hospice is complete and the next stage is to employ the required specialist staff. The facility has bright, homely rooms for children and comfortable accommodation for whole families. The care and support will be based around the needs of the family in a happy safe and loving environment.

“Children’s hospices receive no statutory government funding. We are appealing to businesses, individuals and families to give their support to Grace House.”

With around 130 staff, the award-winning Specials Laboratory works with thousands of pharmacists across the UK and prides itself on consistently delivering over 90% of specials in just 24 hours. Aside from its specials supply, it also manufactures veterinary specials and products for hospital-based IMP’s and supplies custom over labelled medicines and special obtain items.

If you would like to get involved with the Grace House appeal please visit: www.gracehouse.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Holli Brown .