Brian Cox urges Scots to support dying children and their families by making a donation this Christmas
Succession star Brian Cox has spoken out in praise of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the charity’s Christmas appeal has taken to TV and radio.
In a video, which can be seen here, the Dundonian actor urges Scots to support dying children and their families by making a donation this Christmas.
The renowned actor said: “Now more than ever before, CHAS is determined to reach every single child who needs their help and the charity’s Christmas appeal, which includes a radio advert and television advert, powerfully depicts the heartbreak faced by families whose children die young.
“So give what you can and help ensure that no-one faces the death of their child alone. Visit CHAS.org.uk to donate today.”
Many people are looking forward to spending Christmas with their loved ones this year and for families with a dying child this is especially important. However, without access to proper support it can also be a lonely and frightening time.
CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. The national charity offers palliative care and respite for the whole family via its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. The CHAS at Home service supports families in their own homes across the whole of Scotland and has teams working in communities and hospitals across the country.
Like many other charities left reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it provides its increasingly important services. It has set up Scotland’s first ever virtual hospice to support children and families who are having to completely self-isolate.
The virtual hospice has now been operational for 18 months, offering families extensive assistance, whether it relates to clinical guidance, financial advice or bereavement support, by video and phone. CHAS family support teams are also offering an expanding range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and conference calls to children and parents, with more in the pipeline.
Although safeguarding is very much in place as lockdown measures continue to ease, children needing urgent physical and end of life care are welcomed at both Rachel and Robin House, where staff continue to work tirelessly to provide palliative assistance to them and their families in a comfortable environment.
