Funds needed to help support families of child cancer patients
A FORMER bed and breakfast house is set to become a new haven for families whose children are receiving cancer treatment in Southampton.
An appeal to raise £400,000 to equip it fully has been backed by a Guernsey family who stayed in Clic Haven, the current Clic Sargent home-from-home in the grounds of Southampton Hospital, while their daughter underwent treatment in 2012.
Clic Haven opened in 1991, but the lease runs out later this year and it will be replaced by the bigger and more convenient Jean’s House.
Clic Sargent UK’s home from home manager, Cecilia Milburn, said public support would help make the property welcoming for families going through a tough time.
‘We are asking for the public’s help to house even more families in desperate need, saving them hundreds of pounds and bringing crucial home comforts in a time of great turmoil,’ she said.
Guernsey mother Janet Abella said Clic Haven had really helped her family while her daughter, Cassey, had treatment at 15 months old.
‘I really hope that everyone in Guernsey backs this appeal because it is a lifeline to families like ours who have their world turned upside down.
‘If we can share our story to inspire others to donate to help families like ours in the future then it is all worth it,’ she said.
Other charities have already shown support by contributing to the £1.2m. already raised, leaving a further £400,000 to be raised to furnish and renovate the property fully.
Clic Haven has had over 300 families stay in the last two years, for an average of 16 days.
The new haven will have a teenager’s space, two lounges and kitchen/diners and seven en-suite family rooms for up to four people in each.
More information on Jean’s House and the fundraising effort can can be found at http://bit.ly/2BFfYdh.
