21st July, 2022
Although our day-to-day lives are increasingly becoming back to ‘normal’, with Covid-19 restrictions easing, there are some parts of the world that are far from experiencing ‘normal life’.
The crisis in Ukraine may not be at the forefront of the media as it once was, but unfortunately, the travesties continue in the background, with Ukrainian refugees still needing as much help and support as they can get.
A charity who has been caring for Ukrainian refugees who are receiving treatment for childhood cancer is the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust (GKCCT). This charity is an example of the numerous charities supporting and providing aid to Ukraine, highlighting how, although food, clothing and shelter is always appreciated, Ukrainian refugees will need our help in many other ways, too.
Founded in 2016, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust provide both practical and emotional support to families of children who have received a diagnosis of cancer. With childhood cancer being the most common medical case of death of children in the UK, the Grace Kelly Trust works to raise awareness of the symptoms of childhood cancer, fund research and produce information booklets for families. Additionally, the Grace Kelly Trust offers practical and emotional support to families of children with cancer.
The vision of GKCCT was born from the inspiration of 4-year-old, Grace Kelly, who sadly passed away in 2014. As a caring and compassionate little girl, Grace’s wish of helping others has contributed to the charity strapline, 'because the children of today all deserve a tomorrow.'
Having recently gained publicity for their efforts to provide aid to oncology children, the Grace Kelly Trust has sent financial support and practical support packages to families of Ukrainian children receiving cancer treatment in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.
Their Ukraine appeal states: “Most of these families have arrived with very little other than the clothes they are wearing and a day sack, and over the coming weeks and months they will need a great deal of support.”
The care packages delivered to the families contained immediate necessities, such as:
• Wipes
• Basic care essentials
• Headphones
• Torches
• Notebooks and pens
• Colouring book and crayons
• Comfort cuddlies
• Cosy blankets
• Socks
• Lidded cups (to allow parents to have hot drinks on the wards)
• Other comforts
• Tablet device (helping children to keep in contact with loved ones)
• £250 per family (on prepaid debit cards to buy things they need most)
The GKCCT states: “Dependent on resources, we would like to be able provide additional support to these families going forwards. Not only have they had to flee their homes and countries, but their children are also fighting for their lives. Funds raised from the GKCCT Ukraine Appeal will be used to provide help and support to these oncology families in the UK and associated running costs.”
Dr Jen Kelly, CEO of the Grace Kelly Trust said:
“Thank you to Capstone Foster Care for your kind donation to the Trust to enable us to support refugee and oncology families at several different treatment centres. Your support really has made a difference to families whose lives have been turned upside down.”
Here at Capstone Foster Care, supporting each other and improving the lives of young children are two of our strongest values. That’s why we feel so passionately about providing as much aid, support and relief to the Ukrainian causes as possible. Our Midlands team have donated a figure of £5,000 to this trust to help support and facilitate this inspiring work by the Grace Kelly Trust
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