Support for Brian House Children’s Hospice

Alanna Smith, 19 months, meets an owl from Littledovetails and Owls.

From cricketers to cricket eaters, Brian House Children’s Hospice has had some very special visitors as children and staff celebrated Children’s Hospice Week back in May.

The national celebration of children’s hospices around the country kicked off in Bispham with style as staff dressed in panto costumes, donated by Blackpool-based ‘UK Productions’, in an effort to make as many memories as possible for the children and their families.

The week was launched with a visit of two well-known friends of the hospice – Lancashire County cricketer Steven Croft and figure skater Dan Whiston, fresh from ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ tour.

Children were also treated to a display of small animals and artefacts from Blackpool Zoo, including a Tenrec, a Cockroach and a Snake.

Steven, who is supporting Brian House as he celebrates his testimonial year, said ‘It was great to see the children exploring the different animals and items from Blackpool Zoo, and I really enjoyed being part of the experience to make memories for these children. I’m amazed at what goes on at Brian House. It’s not a place of sadness at all, as you might expect, but a place where children can really have fun and do things they would never be able to do otherwise. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for everyone who makes Brian House what it is.’

Dan, who has long been a supporter of Brian House, said he was impressed at how fearless the children were when it came to touching the animals. He said ‘It’s always an absolute delight to come to Brian House and just be a part of the day. I’ve come to learn that a normal day at Brian House is an extraordinary day anywhere else, and it’s a total pleasure to have been able to visit for Children’s Hospice Week. I am honoured to be able to support this fantastic and vital facility.’

Throughout the week the children also enjoyed an owl display thanks to ‘Littledovetails and Owls’, and a visit by Sea Life Blackpool.

Brian House Clinical Manager Carol Wylde said ‘It has been a wonderful week here at Brian House as we have celebrated Children’s Hospice Week 2018. The week was all about making lasting memories, and I think we’ve done just that. From seeing all our staff dressed as pantomime characters – when some of our children may never get to experience pantomime – to touching exotic creatures even adults would never be able to do. It was lovely to be able to welcome back Steven and Dan, and see them get involved in the activities with the children. I hope we’ve been able to make some memories for them too.’

To find out more about Brian House Children’s Hospice and how you can help them visit www.trinityhospice.co.uk/brian-house

Steven Croft and Dan Whiston meet children at Brian House Children’s Hospice