Support the Midnight Walk to help children like Jack

Jack is three years old and was born with undiagnosed neuro muscular problems, which means he requires 24 hour care. Jack and his family receive help, care and support from the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice which is the only service of its type in Northern Ireland caring for children and young people with very complex needs and who require specialist care.

There are over 600 life-limited children and young people and their families living in Northern Ireland. The charity relies heavily on the generosity of local people to raise vital funds through participation in fundraising events like the forthcoming Midnight Walk to support children like Jack.

The Children’s Hospice is encouraging as many people as possible to support their new Christmas Midnight Walk which will start at Sprucefield Shopping Centre beside M&S, Lisburn on Friday, November 30, at 10pm. The event is being organised to help raise £10,000 so that more local children and their families can benefit from the care services provided by the Children’s Hospice.

The Midnight Walk at Lisburn will have a strong Christmas theme and everyone is encouraged to get into the festive spirit by dressing up for the occasion. The evening will start with an hour of entertainment and music to get everyone into the party mood. Warm up exercises will also be provided to ensure everyone taking part is warmed up and ready before starting on a four mile stroll of Lisburn which will leave Sprucefield at 11pm. Frankie and Benny’s will also be in attendance as one of the sponsors providing free drinks to everyone taking part.

Joanna Pawson, Fundraising Manager at the Children’s Hospice explains the importance of taking part in this special event.

“Receiving the diagnosis that your child is life-limited is devastating for families and they need support. At Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice we want to make it as easy as possible for local families to access the care and support they need.

“By taking part in our Christmas Midnight Walk at Lisburn, you will be making a real difference to local kids who depend on the care provided at the Children’s Hospice.”

Joanna continues: ”Jack and his family love attending the children’s hospice as it is an opportunity for respite and to spend quality time together, something which can otherwise be extremely difficult. We have all the equipment and nursing staff to look after Jack so the family can enjoy a real break.

By participating in our fun Christmas walk you will be raising vital funds to support our services for more children and their families in the coming months. Each year it costs £3 million to run the regional services of the Children’s Hospice and we rely on the public to help raise £2.5 million through donations and fundraising events. Every pound that you raise through the Midnight Walk at Lisburn will make a real difference.”