Derian House Children's Hospice

Derian House Children's Hospice - caring for life-threatened children & young people, as well as supporting their families, helping them to 'make the most of every moment'. Charting a child’s progress through life is one of the pleasures of parenthood, a joy to be expected rather than denied. But, for the parents of a child diagnosed with a serious illness or medical condition, their children’s future is counted in smaller terms, sometimes months or weeks, rather than years, in taking each day as it comes. For them, Derian House becomes an intrinsic part of that future. In spite of, or some would say, because of its role as a children’s hospice and the full implication of what that means, Derian House is a place where life is for living, for making the most of every moment. Indeed, there is a sense of purpose in the undaunted spirit of these children who allow us into their lives, often for all too short a time. Anyone who visits the hospice will find a very welcoming atmosphere which owes its being to the children, parents and staff alike. We have much to be proud of in what we have achieved since the hospice opened its doors in 1993 – In the fundraisers whom we are proud to work alongside, in the families we are privileged to call our friends, in the children for whom caring is at once both a sadness for their future, and a delight for their courage. However, with little statutory funding we are faced with the daunting prospect of raising ever increasing amounts from voluntary donations alone if we are to continue to provide the very specialised care these children need. It will doubtless be an ongoing battle to raise these funds, and in looking back at what has been achieved so far, we must also look forward and prepare for the future. With your help, we know can succeed – with your help, a secure future will be a reality…please don’t let us face it alone.