Shoppers lend a hand in support of hospice youngsters

Shoppers gave a hand in support of Rainbows – by leaving their mark to create a beautiful rainbow of multi-coloured handprints.

Rainbows volunteers and staff were ‘on-hand’ in the town centre outside the charity’s Loughborough shop to encourage members of the public to engage in the hand-painting activity, leave their print to create a work of art – and learn more about how youngsters with life-limiting illness and their families are supported.

Rainbows Play Team member, Maxine Court, said: “At Rainbows we encourage children and their families to engage in a range of creative activities to have fun and make memories. Making hand prints in coloured paint is a simple, fun activity. Anyone can do it – and we were overwhelmed by the support of local people wanting to have a go – and leave their mark in support of the work we do.”

The activity was part of Children’s Hospice Week (21-27 May) – when the work of children’s hospices across the UK is celebrated nationally, a campaign which has drawn Royal support from HRH, The Duchess of Cambridge, in a special message from Kensington Palace.

The Duchess commented: “I am celebrating the remarkable and life-changing support provided by children’s hospices and palliative care charities across the UK.”

And she added: “By supporting Children’s Hospice Week we can help them spread joy and positivity across the UK, encouraging everyone to make the most of moments that matter.”

More details at https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/royalmessage/

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People supports families across the East Midlands and is the only specialist care centre of its kind in the region. It provides care for youngsters with life-limiting conditions from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

The charity’s retail shops offer a variety of merchandise – from a range of gifts to quality second-hand clothing – and play a vital part in supporting hospice fundraising.

Rainbows has charity shops in Beeston, Blaby, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough. Visit rainbows.co.uk/ways-you-can-help/shop

Our picture shows Angela Cherry with granddaughter Phoebe Farnfield (two) and Rainbows Play Team member Maxine Court.