TEA makes a lot of things seem better but by holding a Hug in a Mug coffee morning this Autumn you will be helping local families affected by cancer feel a whole lot better.
By simply getting your friends, work colleagues or school chums together for a hot drink and some delicious cakes, you can make an important difference to the many families here in NI nursing a child with cancer.
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Patricia Kidd (right), and Joan Burden from the charity are urging people to get the kettle on this Autumn and help local families affected by cancer. Donations from this year’s Hug in a Mug campaign will support NICFC and the charity’s brand new Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break centre, which is currently being built.[/caption]
NICFC currently provides free short breaks for families nursing a diagnosed child, bereaved families and families where a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Our short breaks offer families a safe haven, precious quality time together as a family, a much needed break to recuperate and the chance to benefit from meeting other families who understand the challenges and fears they are facing.
In Spring 2014, NICFC will throw open the doors of its brand new purpose-built therapeutic short break centre Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle, County Down, and donations from this year’s Hug in a Mug campaign will help the charity to continue to provide this vital service. That’s why NICFC is urging the NI public to get involved and hold a coffee break to provide a ‘short break’ .
NICFC’s Patricia Kidd and Joan Burden are the first point of contact for exhausted families who arrive for a short break. They see first-hand the colossal difference it can make and are urging people to sign up to Hug in a Mug.
Co. Down woman, Patricia said: “When families arrive they are totally exhausted and just need to be looked after, nurtured and given the chance to relax. Many face the chaotic and stressful daily reality of hospital visits and treatment so being able to spend this quality time together in relaxing surroundings as a family is priceless for them.
“Due to the risk of infection, many are unable to go on holiday so our facilities allow them to enjoy all of the benefits of a short break in a secure environment while being looked after by experienced and caring staff. After a break at High Trees the families leave refreshed, relaxed and ready to carry on with the rest of the difficult journey that lies ahead of them.”
One mother whose family enjoyed a stay at High Trees over the summer, explained how a short break made a world of difference: “I’ve four boys, very active ones. I was stressed out before coming to High Trees and in tears quite a lot. Coming here and meeting up with a family whom I befriended at an NICFC parents support Weekend, being cared for and pampered by the wonderful staff as well as the whole atmosphere at High Trees is just what I needed – a tonic. My tears have turned into laughter and I am feeling so relaxed.”
Your cup of tea or coffee has the power to put a smile on someone’s face, sign up to Hug in a Mug today and hold a coffee break to provide a ‘short break’ by contacting Allison on 028 9080 5599 or info@nicfc.com
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