A Greater Manchester children's hospice has launched its annual Christmas campaign with a deeply moving new film that highlights the crucial support it offers to families facing unimaginable challenges.
A Story of Love and Life
Francis House Children's Hospice has officially launched its Christmas Appeal – titled 'Love and Life' – featuring a powerful film that showcases the breadth of support offered to families of seriously ill children. The film, which had its premiere at the charity's Christmas Ball held at Mottram Hall, tells the story of a family from Dukinfield.
The emotional narrative is voiced by Jen East, mother to 11-year-old Florence. Florence lives with a life-limiting condition and was not expected to live beyond the age of ten. The hospice ball where the film debuted was a tremendous success, raising approximately £25,000 on the night alone.
More Than Just Respite Care
The core mission of the appeal is to raise essential funds for the hospice's wide range of services, which are designed to support the entire family, not just the child with the life-limiting condition. These vital services include respite care, sibling support sessions, homecare, day care, and emotional support.
For over 34 years, Francis House has been a cornerstone for families across Greater Manchester, having supported more than 1,500 families during that time. The hospice provides a warm and welcoming 'home from home', surrounding children and their relatives with love and helping them embrace every joyful moment.
For mum Jen, the hospice has been a lifeline. Florence was referred to Francis House in 2017 when she was just two years old. The whole family, including Jen's 14-year-old son Riccardo, have been relying on the hospice for respite care ever since.
As a toddler, Florence's development paused, leading to a diagnosis of a life-limiting regressive condition called Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis. The condition means Florence can no longer walk, talk, or sit up unaided and requires 24/7 care.
A Home Full of Love and Support
"Florence is a real character," Jen says. "She's got a cheeky smile and a great sense of humour, and she absolutely loves socialising and taking part in all of the activities at Francis House."
She describes how their world was turned upside down by the diagnosis. "We were told she wouldn't live past the age of ten and told to go home and make memories. Someone told me about Francis House and they invited the three of us to come for lunch - it immediately felt like it was a home from home. It was calm and full of love."
Jen is keen to challenge perceptions, noting that while most people associate hospices with end-of-life care, for her family, Francis House is a second home. The support extends to every member of the family. "They're there for Florence of course, but also for me as a mum and a person, caring for my daughter. They're there for Riccardo too, a teenager and a brother who has to deal with everything that comes with having a sister who has a life-limiting condition."
She emphasises the specific support for siblings, which is a crucial part of the hospice's offering. "Riccardo absolutely loves it at Francis House... They take as good a care of Riccardo as they do Florence. They take him to the cinema and he's mixing with other siblings, so they get to talk, share and support each other."
Francis House costs £5.8 million a year to run, currently supporting more than 435 families with respite, end-of-life care, and other essential services.
Rachael Taylor, chief executive of Francis House, commented: "Jen and Flo's story is just one example of the many families who use our services all year round. Francis House offers much more than just respite care; it's a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and most importantly, lives are lived to the fullest."
She added a direct appeal to the public: "As demand for our services continues to rise, we need the support of the local community to keep these vital services running. Any support you can give this Christmas is greatly appreciated."
For more information or to donate to the Love and Life Christmas Appeal, visit the Francis House website.
