The Lowdown on Hospices

Children's Hospices are one of those things that most of us know nothing about. We have a general gist of what one is but have avoided thinking about it too much because to start thinking about children's hospices is to start thinking about children being ill enough to need one and there are no two ways about it - that is a very upsetting thing.

It is a surprise, therefore, that when you start looking at children's hospices sadness and illness (and yes... death) are in no way their main focus.

My local hospice, Derian House, is a prime example. On their website their focus is made clear right at the start. That they help families and parents cope with the illness and the everyday challenges that it brings but also that they pack as much fun and laughter as they can into every single day. After all - that is what we hope for all of our children and terminal illness makes fun and laughter an even more essential hope.

Hospices offer families medical help and all different sorts of practical and emotional support during the most difficult part of their lives. They also offer support towards the end of a child's life and bereavement help for those left behind.

Now here is the big thing... children's hospices are charities. They rely heavily on us as communities for their funding. If you would like to donate directly to the UK Children's Hospices charity (who not only support each hospice but also do things such as lobbying the government for changes) then you can do so on their website. You can also donate to most local hospices via their own websites.

This is where Hipp-O-Dee-Doo-Dah! comes in. Embracing the aims of hospices to provide practical help but also trying to bring joy to children's lives, Hipp-O-Dee-Doo-Dah! is a collection of light hearted tales designed to bring joy to the reader whilst also raising money for the UK Children's Hospices charity. This money includes a large portion of the profits inaddition to quite a lot of the author royalties.

News is to to follow soon about where you can buy a copy of Hipp-O-Dee-Doo-Dah!

Thanks for reading folks and once again count your blessings and be thankful for every good thing in your life.

Dulcie
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