Support charity needs £40,000 before the end of the month
An Edinburgh charity faces closure despite transforming the lives of disabled children for over 25 years.
Led by parents, Kindred delivers support for families of severely ill children in Scotland, providing help, support and advocacy.
Over the last six months the charity suffered “unexpected cuts” in external grant funding and as a result is facing a funding deficit of up to £80,000.
Failure to find £40,000 by the end of this month could result in its closure.
The charity is currently in talks with City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government for the rest of the funding required.
An urgent public appeal has been launched on JustGiving to raise cash to secure its future.
Two-thirds of its staff team at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh face redundancy.
Sophie Pilgrim, director of Kindred, said: “I am hopeful we can raise the funds needed to keep Kindred’s valuable service going. As a parent myself I have experienced some very difficult times.
“My role as director of Kindred is a great privilege and I know from my own experience how much parents need our service.
“We have an amazing team and I hope that we will be able to continue to make life better for other families.”
Christine Wright, whose 10-year-old son was mown down by a stolen motorbike on Ferry Road in Edinburgh just last month, said she couldn’t have coped if it wasn’t for Kindred’s emotional and practical support.
She said: “Kindred has been amazing at one of the worst times of my life. When my son Cameron was admitted to the high dependency unit at RHSC following a motorbike hit and run incident, our family were traumatically plunged into a living nightmare of shock, fear and anger coupled with a high level of media and police involvement.
“It came along just as I was ready to crack. I was tired, scared and worn out. The staff let me talk and cry but most importantly, they listened.
“We really couldn’t have coped without the charity’s emotional and practical support.”
Crime writer Ian Rankin, whose son was helped by Kindred, lent his support to the campaign.
"Kindred is a charity that's been close to my heart ever since my son was born with special needs - over 20 years ago,” he said.
“I know first-hand the difference Kindred makes to families. With your help, they will continue to flourish and to offer support to those who need it."
City of Edinburgh Council has been contacted for a response.
