Leicestershire homebuilder, Jelson Homes is launching its 2019 Christmas appeal, supporting the work of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough.

The appeal is also being backed by Jelson-sponsored Leicester Riders basketball team, who will be collecting donations for the charity at selected home games at the Morningside Arena in December – remember to bring your pound coins! Jelson Homes are also sponsoring five of their Leicester Head Office members of staff to work, help and support at Rainbows Hospice for a day.

Rainbows is the East Midlands only hospice for children and young people, it is a place where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can find care and support. Since 1994, the hospice has opened its doors and hearts to these children and the people who love them most. Rainbows works with over 400 children and young people every year offering bereavement support, sibling support, end of life care, and palliative care through a range of therapies including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy and play therapy.

“We’re delighted that Jelson Homes has chosen to support Rainbows’ Christmas appeal once again,” said Kate Golding, head of organisational giving at Rainbows. “Our team are there for families when they need us the most, but we couldn’t do our work without the help of local supporters. We know that together we can bring more love, smiles and laughter to our children, young people and their families.” 

Graham Jelley, sales director at Jelson Homes, said: “Rainbows is incredibly important to families dealing with potentially the worst time of their lives. Most of us can only imagine how we would cope in those circumstances, but Rainbows does all it can to make things easier for children and their families. We’re proud to be able to support the amazing team at the hospice and encourage people to donate when they can.” 

What will the donations cover?

The annual cost of running Rainbows currently stands at over £6 million. Only around 13% of this amount is raised from statutory bodies – only enough to keep the hospice running for between six and seven weeks.

Donations can be made at Jelson Homes Head Office in Leicester, at Leicester Riders’ Morningside Arena and through the following JustGiving page.