Stirling Ackroyd has supported the needs of children and families at the Shooting Star Hospice since 2011, and this is a relationship that we treasure.
About Shooting Star
The story began as two separate children’s hospice charities. CHASE was founded in 1994 and The Shooting Star Trust founded in 1995, and in April 2011, the year that Stirling Ackroyd reached the Trust to help. These two charities merged to become Shooting Star Chase and with their two purpose-built hospices, Christopher’s in Guildford and Shooting Star House in Hampton, they were able to provide vital care for more children and families across West London and Surrey.
It takes £8.8 million annually to offer the vital care and services that we do, with only 11% coming from central government funding. “People are surprised that we get less than adult hospices. The children’s hospice sector was established after the adult hospice movement, and so the model is slightly different,” explains Anne Carey, Head of Corporate Engagement for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. “There is a perception that children’s charities are easy to raise money for, and there is a degree of truth to that, however there are a large number of incredibly worthwhile children’s charities out there so actually fundraising the money we need to operate is really challenging – that is why long term support, like that offered by Stirling Ackroyd, really matters.”
Making Beautiful memories really matters
Shooting Star Hospice works really hard on memory making, an area of support that their team finds one of the most beautiful parts of their job. We only have one chance to get things right once for families.
How many children does the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice support?
Having grown and advanced their services, Shooting Star has become a leading children’s hospice charity, supporting over 700 children, and their families, across Surrey and West London, 365 days a year.
What is the personal impact of the funds raised?
Living with a child who has a life-limiting condition massively affects the financial position of a family. Typically, one parent has to give up work, there are extensive hospital appointments, taxi’s to get there, specialist equipment needed for home, electricity demands rise and families, already incredibly challenged, become really, really stretched. That is why our fundraising is very important as we can positively impact the lives of the children we care for and the families that support them as they make ready for a child’s end of life..
Stirling Ackroyd is officially Shooting Star Children’s Hospices longest standing corporate partner, and over the past two decades has raised and donated a staggering £290,000 – a combination of corporate giving and staff fundraising efforts.
How has Stirling Ackroyd supported recently?
Stirling Ackroyd’s big fundraiser from last year was the team 2022 Snowdon Sunrise Trek expedition – an amazing initiative that raised just under £20,000. “It’s efforts like this that keep us going,” Anne continues. “The company’s fundraising has really revitalised in the last 12 months, and Stirling Ackroyd’s staff are all set to cycle a 142 miles around 32 branches in June. We wish them all the very best of luck, and hope that they reach their target of £6,000. “
Hospice care offers a wide range of services. People think of a children’s hospice as a sad place, and sad things do happen here, but it’s a bright and sunny place. We have swings out in the garden, like any playground, and children do enjoy their time here.
To sign up to Stirling Ackroyd’s London to Surrey Bike Race – Click Here. So far, including Gift Aid, we have raised almost £3500. Do join in the fun!
