Keep the joy alive for dying children

KNOWING your child may die before you do is the crushing reality faced by many parents across Scotland.

Now, on their behalf, we are appealing to you, our brilliant readers, to lend a hand.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS – are dedicated to supporting brave youngsters and their families as they go through the most testing times.

But they can reach only one out of the three children in Scotland who die from an incurable condition each week.

The charity are determined to come to the aid of every child who needs their services.

But, to do so, they need more money. Today, CHAS launch their biggest ever fundraising campaign, called Keep the Joy Alive.

This newspaper and our loyal readership have a proud record when it comes to championing the most deserving of causes.

You, our readers, donated an astonishing £4million in 1996 to create Scotland’s first hospice for children, Rachel House in Kinross.

Robin House was opened in Balloch, Dunbartonshire, in 2005 and there are now CHAS at Home services providing support around the country, as well as special neonatal services in maternity hospitals.

This is another opportunity to make a real and lasting difference. Times are tough, we know, but every little helps so please dig as deep as you can and help double CHAS’s income over the next five years.

CHAS provide the support which gives terminally ill children the experiences other youngsters take for granted – trips to the zoo, skiing, swimming.

Through CHAS, they have the chance to feel the wind and sun on their faces, to sparkle, to laugh, to make treasured memories.

No matter how short their time may be, thanks to CHAS, it is filled with happiness.

None of this would have been possible without you, our big-hearted Record readers.

CHAS have initiated research, lobbied government and campaigned for improvements to palliative care in Scotland.

Crucially, they made a commitment to be by the side of children and families when they need it most. Reaching every one of those children is the CHAS dream and you can help make it a reality. Together, we have done it before. Please, help us do it again.