A Christmas Bonus for Children with Cancer Fund
The whole team at Lightning Fibre is delighted to have been able to donate over 60 tablets and phones to the Children With Cancer Fund this Christmas.
We had a great time doing our festive deliveries across a number of towns in East Sussex.
The repurposed tablets and phones will support children and families across Eastbourne, Hastings, Heathfield, Polegate and Hailsham.
Chris Downton, co-founder of Children with Cancer Fund said: "It is brilliant to give families devices that can keep everyone entertained on long journeys and long days of hospital appointments."
1st Stop - A family in Eastbourne
Our Head of Marketing, Emma Pearce, joined Chris Downton for our first delivery - which would be a big surprise for the children at a family home in Eastbourne.
We visited Elijah, aged 8, and his brother Jamil, aged 10, along with their mum, Charlie, and Dad, Jez.
It was wonderful to spend time with the family and see the joy on the boys faces when they were given a tablet and a phone each. Christmas certainly came early!
2nd Stop - Heathfield
Emma then met up with Ian Shearer, a long time supporter and trustee at the Children with Cancer Fund, at an early breakfast meeting of the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce.
Ian explained that “For many families, a parent has to give up work to care for their child during cancer treatment. When money is tight, treats like IT devices are often out of reach — so Lightning Fibre’s donation will make an enormous difference.”
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3rd Stop - Hailsham
Emma and Chris got together again so that Emma could hand over a donation for families in Hailsham.
Chris added "The devices help children stay connected with friends and family and be entertained during an incredibly challenging time - offering moments of normality, learning and fun."
4th Stop - Hastings
In Hastings, Emma met with Peter, Co-Chair of Trustees and Treasurer of the Children With Cancer Fund, to deliver another basket of devices to support families in this town.
Peter has given many years of support to the charity. He said how important it is for families to be able to have some fun playing games and watching movies together as a distraction during challenging times away from home.
5th Stop - Polegate
Emma and Chris did their final stop in Polegate. The team at the Children with Cancer Fund are now busy charging all the devices and making individual visits to families.
A charity built on care and community
Children With Cancer Fund was established in 1998 and has been supporting families across East Sussex for 27 years. The charity began when Chris and his sister Ursula helped their first child in Polegate. Ursula was working in hospital settings at the time and helped establish trusted relationships with hospital teams, community nurses and families. This allowed the charity to offer support with the right permissions and care in place.
As nurses across the area became involved, the charity quickly grew. A second child in Eastbourne followed, and from there the support snowballed. Today, Children With Cancer Fund supports 157 families across East Sussex, with day to day operations run from their office in Willingdon in Eastbourne.
Practical support for children and their families
The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families. This includes helping with essential household items and special treats that can make a huge difference during treatment and recovery.
If you would like to learn more about Children With Cancer Fund, make a donation, or find out how to access support, please visit their website and social accounts - Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact the team by phone on 01323 722818.
We would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers, supporters and everyone involved with Children With Cancer Fund for the vital work they do in supporting children with cancer and their families. You are amazing!
It has been wonderful to support you this Christmas.
