Francis House launches Christmas Appeal with Florence’s story

Francis House Children’s Hospice has launched a Christmas Appeal, Love and Life, with a moving new film showcasing the support offered to the families of seriously ill children.

The appeal features a family from Dukinfield and is narrated by Jen East, mum to 11-year-old Florence, who has a life-limiting condition and was not expected to live beyond the age of ten.

The film had its premiere at the charity’s Christmas Ball held at Mottram Hall which raised approximately £25,000 on the night.

The hospice aims to raise funds for its range of services that support the whole family not just the child who lives with a life-limiting condition. These include respite care, sibling support sessions, homecare, day care, and emotional support.

Francis House has served the families of Greater Manchester for 34 years. In that time, the hospice has supported over 1,500 families, surrounding children and their families with love, helping them live every moment in a warm and welcoming home from home, embracing happy and joyful moments.

For mum Jen, the hospice is a lifeline. Florence was referred to Francis House in 2017, when she was two years old and the whole family including Jen’s 14-year-old son Riccardo, have been coming to the hospice for respite care ever since.

As a toddler, Florence’s development paused and she was diagnosed with a life-limiting regressive condition called Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis. She can no longer walk, talk or sit up unaided and needs 24/7 care.

“Florence is a real character,” Jen told That's Christmas 365. “She’s got a cheeky smile and a great sense of humour, and she absolutely loves socialising and taking part in all of the activities at Francis House.

“When Florence was diagnosed, our whole world was turned upside down and we were told she wouldn’t live past the age of ten and told to go home and make memories. 

"Someone told me about Francis House and they invited the three of us to come for lunch - it immediately felt like it was a home from home. It was calm and full of love.

“Most people think of hospices for end of life but it’s like a second home for us. Francis House are there for Florence of course, but also for me as a mum and a person, caring for my daughter. They’re there for Riccardo too, a teenager and a brother who has to deal with everything that comes with having a sister who has a life-limiting condition.

“Riccardo absolutely loves it at Francis House. It can be hard for him as a brother because Florence needs so much attention. But they take as good a care of Riccardo as they do Florence. They take him to the cinema and he’s mixing with other siblings, so they get to talk, share and support each other.

“Florence gets to do so much when she’s at Francis House. She loves the play specialists and when she comes home after a few days, you can see in her face how much fun she’s had.

“Being a parent of a child with a life-limiting condition, means the support from people who know what we’re going through is really important. It’s a place that we can all go to for a break and a change of scene – it’s a special place which we couldn’t live without.”

Francis House costs £5.8 million a year to run, supporting more than 435 families with respite, end of life care and other services.

Rachael Taylor, chief executive of Francis House added: “Jen and Flo’s story is just one example of the many families who use our services all year round. Francis House offers much more than just respite care; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and most importantly, lives are lived to the fullest. As demand for our services continues to rise, we need the support of the local community to keep these vital services running. Any support you can give this Christmas is greatly appreciated.”

For more information to watch the film or to donate to the appeal, visit https://www.francishouse.org.uk/jen-flo-and-riccardo-story/

Making Christmas Special for Care Home Residents and Hospital Patients: How You Can Get Involved This Festive Season

As we approach the Christmas season, many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends. But for residents in care homes and patients in hospitals, the festive period can sometimes feel lonely and isolating. 

This year, why not consider helping to bring a little extra Christmas cheer to those who may otherwise miss out? 

There are many ways to get involved, and your contribution, however small, could make a real difference. 

Here’s a guide on how to bring a little magic to someone’s Christmas and make this season memorable for those who need it most.

1. Organise a Christmas Card Drive

A Christmas card may seem simple, but it can mean the world to someone who doesn’t have visitors over the holiday. Reach out to local schools, community groups, or even friends and family to help create a stack of festive cards. Many care homes and hospitals welcome such initiatives, and you can personalise the cards with uplifting messages. Each card is a reminder that someone is thinking of them, which can be a powerful gesture of goodwill.

Tip: Contact local care homes or hospital wards to confirm the best way to deliver these cards and find out about any specific requests or restrictions.

2. Get Involved with Gift Drives

Some organisations run Christmas gift drives specifically aimed at care home residents and hospital patients, collecting donations of small presents such as toiletries, cosy socks, blankets, or puzzle books. You can often find local charities or churches that organise such gift drives, or you could even coordinate your own in your neighbourhood or workplace.

Be mindful to choose gifts that are appropriate and easy to use, as some recipients may have physical or cognitive limitations. You can always check with a contact at the care home or hospital to ensure your gifts are suitable and won’t be too complex for recipients.

3. Volunteer to Help Spread Festive Cheer

Volunteering your time is one of the most direct ways to make a difference. Hospitals and care homes often need extra hands to help decorate spaces, organise festive activities, or simply visit with residents and patients. Even something as simple as singing carols or helping to facilitate holiday games can bring joy and a sense of community.

If you’re musically inclined, consider putting together a small group to perform carols or holiday music. Many residents and patients love to hear familiar songs, and a small performance can break up the monotony of hospital or care home life.

Note: Many places will have volunteer requirements, such as background checks, so it’s a good idea to reach out early to find out what’s involved.

4. Donate to Relevant Charities

There are several UK-based charities and organisations that specifically support hospitalised patients or care home residents during the holidays. Consider donating to charities like Age UK, The Silver Line, and Friends of the Elderly, which focus on supporting older people who may face loneliness or isolation. Your donations go towards everything from purchasing gifts to supporting activities that keep residents engaged and connected during Christmas.

You could also look into hospital charities, many of which have seasonal appeals that fund holiday treats, decorations, and events for patients spending the season in hospital.

5. Offer a Helping Hand to Staff

The staff in hospitals and care homes work tirelessly over the holiday season, often with limited resources. Consider providing small treats for them – perhaps a batch of baked goods, a festive hamper, or simply some handwritten notes of appreciation. These gestures remind staff that their hard work is valued and encourage them to keep spreading the festive cheer.

Some communities also organise “care packs” for staff, with essentials like hand cream, chocolates, and other items to keep morale up. You could contribute to or start your own initiative if you’d like to show support in this way.

6. Encourage Young People to Get Involved

Encouraging children or young people to help out fosters a community spirit and gives them a sense of connection with older generations. Whether it’s through drawing festive pictures, recording short holiday video messages, or joining a virtual carol session, young people can bring vibrant energy to these settings. Many care homes and hospitals welcome virtual interactions, which can be organised through video calls if in-person visits are not possible.

Tip: Check if there are any local intergenerational programmes that support interaction between young volunteers and care home residents, especially around the festive season.

Wrapping Up: Making a Meaningful Impact

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to come together as a community. Whether you’re sending cards, organising gifts, volunteering, or making a donation, you’re helping to create cherished memories for people who might otherwise feel left out. Small gestures can truly brighten the lives of care home residents and hospital patients and remind them that they are part of a broader community. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for everyone – because everyone deserves a little festive cheer.

You can check with local churches who often run festive care schemes for local nursing homes, carehomes, hospices, hospitals, etc. 

From all of us working to spread kindness this season: Merry Christmas!

Festival of Christmas trees - Francis House Children’s Hospice opens pop-up event

Francis House Children’s Hospice is bringing the magic of Christmas to a pop-up shop in Quayside MediaCityUK by filling it with 40 unique Christmas trees.

The Festival of Christmas trees opens on Saturday, October 28, and aims to encourage members of the public to place bids the unique trees, each packed with vouchers, signed football shirts, hampers, vouchers and handmade gifts.

The annual project involves businesses, community groups and individuals coming together in the decoration of a one-off Christmas tree which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Greater Manchester hospice.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides respite care, homecare, end of life care and a range of other services to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Participants this year include JP Goldman, Cardinal Global Logistics, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, Morrisons, Uplift Knitters, LIFT-Financial, Amaranth, DLA Piper and Lowbury Construction.

The event this year is sponsored by Towers Business Park and Quayside MediaCityUK.

Julie Williams, fundraising officer at Francis House said: "Anyone visiting the display is in for a real treat. With the help of our tree sponsors there is something to tempt everyone to place a bid and be in with the chance of taking a truly unique tree home for Christmas.

“We provide the tree and lights, and the rest is left up to the imagination of our fantastic sponsors. Cardinal Global Logistics have created a bright and beautiful Barbie tree and the Thomason family have put together two trees bursting with football, gaming and food and drink goodies.”

Bids can be placed on each tree for five weeks in the run up to Christmas, either in store or online at www.festivaloftrees.co.uk

A range of Christmas decorations, gifts and cards are also on sale in the shop along with the opportunity to win a raffle prize and take part in a lucky dip.

With some trees fetching hundreds of pounds each it is hoped the event this year will exceed the £25,000 in profit raised in 2022.

The shop can be found on the first floor of Quayside MediaCityUK, formerly the Lowry Outlet and runs from October 28 until December 3.

To view a gallery of the trees and to discover more visit www.festivaloftrees.co.uk