Heather Weir, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice welcomes Lord Mayor of Belfast, John Finucane to NI Children’s Hospice; Horizon House.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, John Finucane, has announced the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice as one of his charity partners.
Throughout the Lord Mayor’s term in office, he will raise vital funds for the organisation which, as the only Children’s Hospice in Northern Ireland, provides care in both Horizon House and at home to local children with life limiting conditions.
As part of Northern Ireland Hospice, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice provides care and support to families from diagnosis to bereavement focusing on physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor John Finucane said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice as one of my chosen charities during my year in office.
“The care and compassion shown by the amazing staff here on a daily basis is incredible. In what is a very challenging and often sad environment to work in, they bring smiles and comfort to the many families that unfortunately have to make use of their services.
“I commend everyone in the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice for their hard work and endeavour and I look forward to working with them throughout the rest of my term, and encourage everyone to support them wherever and whenever they can.”
The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice provides palliative care and support to infants and children with a wide range of life limiting conditions including neurological disorders, genetic disorders and cancer type diagnosis. Services for infants and children include the provision of palliative and end of life care in the Children’s Hospice and at home; as well as short breaks that allow local families to spend quality time together.
Care provided by the Hospice is often started during pregnancy and continues throughout the child’s life, making every day matter and every moment precious.
Heather Weir, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice, said:
“We are very thankful the Lord Mayor has chosen us as one of his charities for the year and I have no doubt his support will have a significant impact on the lives of children cared for here at the Hospice and those receiving our care at home throughout our local community.”
Over 300 children and young people life-limiting or life threatening conditions are cared for by the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice currently.
Ms Weir continued:
“Clinical excellence and compassion are at the heart of everything we do and the services we offer – at home or in our purpose-built children’s facility, Horizon House – include symptom management, therapeutic short breaks, support for families and care in the last days of life.
“We do everything we can to ensure families affected by a child’s illness have the support they need to make memories and enjoy special time together in a comfortable clinical environment.
“Donations from members of the public and businesses across local communities, gifts from wills, and now the Lord Mayor’s support provides the much-needed funds for us to deliver our care. As a highly valued community organisation, caring for children and families across NI we depend upon the amazing generosity of local people.
“We are so grateful for the local support we receive which allows us to raise awareness and provide care – the need for which cannot be underestimated.”
For more information about the services provided by the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and how you can support the organisation, please visit www.nihospice.org/childrens-hospice