A BIG-HEARTED Rugby charity which gives vital support to children and young people with cancer and their families has welcomed a donation which will make a ‘huge difference’ to its work.
Shine a Light has received £3,000 from housebuilder Barratt Homes, which will help it meet two months worth of running costs.
The charity provides families across Coventry and Warwickshire who are affected by childhood cancer with a range of services to relieve isolation and enable them to connect with other families in the same situation.
The charity’s CEO Sam Schoolar said: “A diagnosis of cancer is not only devastating emotionally and physically, but has a huge financial impact.
“For adults diagnosed with cancer, having to give up work or reduce hours and still pay for parking fees, fuel costs, and the increasing costs of living takes its toll.
“To combat some of these difficulties, during the winter months we are operating as a warm hub, ensuring that our local community have a warm place to relax, enjoy food and drink, company and activities.
“We also provide opportunities to meet with other local charities and agencies who can help with food poverty, debt relief and offer advice on energy bills and other helpful sources of aid.”
Shine a Light is the only charity providing a cancer support centre for the Coventry and Warwickshire community. It currently helps 60 families who are affected by childhood cancer, and provides 15 adult counselling sessions and three hours of play therapy per week.
Statistics from Young Lives vs Cancer show that families affected by a cancer diagnosis face extra costs of around £600 per month – including expenses involved with travelling to and from hospital, having to buy food at the hospital, and being at home during the day.
Sam continued: “The local, small charities and organisations across our nation are doing vital work to support their communities. Without them, in our current climate families would be going without food, warmth and vital support to improve mental health and wellbeing.
“We are extremely grateful for Barratt Homes’ donation. This will make a huge difference to our work.
“We are open for anyone in the local community who wants to drop in and receive support from us. Our services are vital for the families we support to ensure they are not isolated, living in fear, poverty or with low mental health, and that they receive the help they need to face their journey with cancer.”
Founded in 2017, Shine a Light visits families in their homes and in hospitals, and provides every family with a welcome pack when they first register for support. This contains a range of items designed to encourage families to spend quality time together – playing games, making popcorn, snuggling under warm cosy blankets for a family film afternoon, and enjoying the snacks and treats provided by the charity.
The charity opened its new Family Centre in Rugby Central Shopping Centre last September, which is open to the whole community 9.30am-3pm, Monday to Saturday.
Visit www.shinealight.uk for more information.
