Gold Geese Christmas Magic

 

LEIGH based children’s cancer support charity Gold Geese organised some special events, in the run up to Christmas, for families fighting cancer, bringing festive joy and helping them make memories and connect with others going through a similar experience.

 Each year the charity holds a private grotto and Christmas party for its Gold families, featuring Father Christmas, real reindeer and entertainers at The Hatch in Old Leigh.

 The charity arranged for Father Christmas to make special visits to children fighting cancer at Southend Hospital and at home, delivering pizza and games, organised a professional ballerina to visit children at Great Ormond Street Hospital and held a special memorial wreath-making event for local families who have lost a child to cancer.

 The bereaved families made festive decorations personalised to their loved one’s favourite colours, animals and memories.

 The charity also provided decorations to children’s wards in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield Hospitals.

 Katie Southgate, Gold Geese Founder and Chief Executive, said: “Christmas with cancer is very tough, but thanks to our incredible community’s kindness and generosity we’re able to bring back a little joy and sparkle for our Gold children on treatment.

 “For our families who have lost a child, we try to honour the child’s memory and hold their families close this time of year.

 “Alongside events, we’re also offering every Gold family a £500 John Lewis voucher to help cover the cost of Christmas and beyond.

 “Christmas can be an expensive time, but for a family dealing with cancer it can be even harder as many parents need to cut back work hours or give up work completely to care for their child.

 “Costs such as travel to appointments or hospital car parking soon add up too, so times can be particularly tough.”

 The charity, based in Leigh, was established over six years ago after Ms Southgate’s own child was diagnosed with cancer. Understanding the impact of a diagnosis and the importance of personalised support, she set up the charity to help other local families in the same situation. Her child is now cancer-free.

 Ms Southgate added: “We want to thank every one of our supporters for helping us provide magical memories for families facing cancer this Christmas, and a special thank you to Hatch for their ongoing support and generosity in hosting our grotto again, it’s a very special venue.

 “You can support us by making a one-off donation or setting up a regular gift of £5 a month , which could provide support from toys and treats to counselling and supermarket vouchers, this Christmas and beyond.”

 For more information about Gold Geese or to donate visit www.goldgeese.org.

Picture: Ms Southgate and Santa.

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