Yorkshire charity Martin House Children’s Hospice is calling for support as it plans to make this Christmas unforgettable for families in its care.
Every year the hospice supports over 500 children and young people with complex and life-shortening conditions – and every year it knows for some families this may be the last Christmas they have with their child.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive of Martin House, said: “When a child’s life is short, it’s vital to make the most of every moment – especially at Christmas. That’s why we pull out all the stops to ensure every family has the chance to make precious memories.”
The Martin House Christmas party was an annual highlight for Ameeliah and her family, who visited Martin House together to enjoy the celebrations. Ameeliah, who had a chromosome disorder, died in 2023, aged 17.
Her mum Lucy said: “We loved the Christmas parties, they were the best thing ever – it was the highlight of the year. My dad used to come with us, and he said it kick-started Christmas. To go to something together that was so well thought out for Ameeliah, but also my twins absolutely loved too. It was just a fun day, where the kids are spoiled and there’s so much to do. Where else do you get llamas wearing a Santa hat?!
“And the presents the kids got – you’d come home and think ‘wow, they’re so generous’.
“When your child has a life-shortening condition, you want to do everything, and have every experience. The Martin House Christmas party meant we were able to spend time together and make those memories. Some of my favourite pictures of Ameeliah are at the Christmas party. Now that’s all we’ve got – photos and memories.”
This Christmas, Martin House will be open around the clock to provide specialist palliative care to children and young people.
Clair added: “It will cost us around £1 million to run Martin House this December, ensuring we can be here for families like Ameeliah’s, and providing the best specialist care when they need it most.”
To support Martin House’s Christmas appeal, visit their website here.
Martin House has been providing family-led care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions since 1987 (life-shortening means the child or young person is not expected to live beyond young adulthood).
Every year the charity supports over 500 children and young people, and their families plus around 200 bereaved family members across North, East, and West Yorkshire, at their Boston Spa hospice, in hospitals and in families’ own homes.
