Worthing mum calls on families to join virtual walk for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

A Worthing mum will be stepping out on New Year’s Day for a fundraising walk in aid of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.
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Stacey Branford and her family have used Southampton House, serving Southampton Children’s Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital, numerous times.

Her daughter Jessica developed complications from meningitis in 2017 and the charity’s facilities have enabled Stacey to stay close while she is receiving hospital treatment.

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Stacey said: “This year it has been more important than ever to be with family. I know personally the difference somewhere like a Ronald McDonald House can make to a family.

Stacey Branford with her daughter Jessica, who needs specialist careStacey Branford with her daughter Jessica, who needs specialist care
Stacey Branford with her daughter Jessica, who needs specialist care

“It is so important to support Ronald McDonald House Charities UK at this time to ensure families in the future are able to receive the same help I did when it was so very much needed.”

Jessica needs specialist care and Stacey works as her full-time carer. She hopes other families will join her virtually and complete a five-mile walk in the new year.

Stacey will be walking from her home in Broadwater on Friday and hopes to set up a team of parents to join her virtually, in a bid to raise £1,000. Laura Lea has already signed up and it is hoped more will follow.

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Stacey said: “We are a group of parents who have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House due to having a sick child in hospital. RMHC provide a home from home so you’re able to stay close to your child while they are in hospital, no matter how long that is.

“There are no words to describe how important this support has been to all of us. So to say thank you, we are asking as many families who have stayed at a house to walk in unity on January 1 at 11am for five miles.

“You can do this where you live. Anyone else can join if they want. We want to show how many families have been touched by this wonderful chairty and give back in a way we can.”

The charity offers free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at 11 houses across the UK for families with sick children in hospital, including Brighton House, serving Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

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Visit www.justgiving.com/team/WalkforRMHC for more information and to make a donation.

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