Care for Kids celebrates 15 years of supporting families

Local charity Care for Kids North Devon is celebrating 15 years of supporting families with children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. 

Since its inception in 2009, the charity has helped 145 families, providing over £150,000 in financial assistance.

The charity was founded by Jacky Massos, Fran Greenaway, and Jenny Birch. 

Jacky’s own experience as a parent of a child with a serious illness was the driving force behind its creation.

Her son, Jason, was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four and spent three years receiving treatment at a Bristol hospital.

The long periods of travel and hospital stays, along with the loss of earnings, put immense financial strain on the family.

Once Jason went into remission, Jacky, Fran – the play specialist on the children's ward – and Jenny, a cancer nurse, decided something needed to be done to support other families going through similar challenges. 

And so, Care for Kids North Devon was born.

On diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, families in need can apply for a grant of £1,000 from the charity to help with travel, accommodation, and loss of earnings while caring for their child. 

If additional support is required, further funding can be offered.

The charity has also worked closely with the Caroline Thorpe Children’s Ward to improve the experience for patients and their families. 

Over the years, Care for Kids has funded a new playroom, parents’ room, and transformed four cubicle bedrooms. 

The charity has also provided a 3D pain distraction unit and continues to support the playroom with toys and resources. 

Parking permits are provided for families who need to spend extended periods on the ward with their children.

Charity founder and trustee Jacky Massos reflects on the charity’s journey: “I can’t really believe 15 years have passed so quickly! As a charity we have remained small but the support we receive from the local community has grown and grown. I’m so glad our charity has made a difference to so many families who have gone through an unbelievably difficult time. Until it happens to you, you don’t realise just how difficult it can be to care for a very poorly child. We’d like to thank all of our supporters over the years, without whom we couldn’t have achieved this much, so thank you!”

To celebrate the 15th anniversary, the charity is launching a Christmas fundraising campaign on JustGiving. 

Supporters are encouraged to donate £3, £5, or even £15 to mark the occasion, or to set up their own fundraising page in support of the campaign.

For more details on how to donate or to create a fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/15th-anniversary-christmas-campaign.