Tony Jacklin visit’s Rainbows
Our children, young people, families and staff were all star-struck last week when golfing legend Tony Jacklin CBE visited Rainbows.
Earlier this year, Tony was announced as our latest patron. During his visit with his wife, Astrid, the couple met children and young people as they toured the hospice, learning more about the professional care we provide and viewing the bespoke facilities in the therapy wing. They also helped Jessica Kerr, of Coalville, to celebrate her first birthday by singing Happy Birthday. Jessica suffers from a rare condition called Patau Syndrome and reaching her first birthday was a milestone her family never expected to see.
Tony was overwhelmed during his visit. He said: “Rainbows is incredible. It is not what I thought it would be like. I am just amazed at the facilities; it seems that Rainbows has thought of everything. It is exceptionally telling of ‘how can we make it better for children and young people?’ and way beyond that for parents and siblings. Rainbows provides for the whole family.
“I have found this to be a very worthwhile visit and I am proud to be a patron. All of the staff and volunteers are amazing.”
Astrid added: “I think it is fascinating. Rainbows is a wonderful facility and it takes coming here to really experience the worth of it. I am absolutely blown away with it.”
As well as promoting the fantastic work we do, Tony has helped to raise over £100,000 for us by hosting the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, an annual golf tournament in Warwickshire organised by Champions UK Plc.
Patricia Brookes, director of fundraising at Rainbows, said: “Our patrons and ambassadors at Rainbows are outstanding in helping us to spread the word of the hospice and raise awareness, so it was wonderful for Tony and Astrid to visit us to see what we do first-hand. We are delighted they took the time out of their busy schedule to take a hospice tour and meet some of the children and young people at Rainbows.”
You can see the photos on our Flickr page.
