With the festive period edging nearer, the football club is joining forces with The Henry Allen Trust to support their Christmas Stocking Appeal.
The campaign, now in it’s eighth year, aims to bring a little treat to young cancer sufferers across Wiltshire this December that doesn’t cost the earth, but is enough to bring smiles to those experiencing the unthinkable at such a tender age.
The Trust offers support, advice and an ear to listen to for young people and their families, and is solely run by volunteers.
They have a wellness counsellor, provide care, toy, craft and food packs and help with respite care, as well as organising social events, treats and wishes for children. They even have a pet therapy dog for visits.
Sadly, childhood cancer diagnoses are increasing, with around one in every 420 boys under 14 developing some kind.
In girls, it’s around one in every 490, with the majority being in children under five.
They charity has pulled together an Amazon wish list, where we can purchase gifts for young people which are then wrapped, added to a stocking and delivered.
Alongside this, a signature gift the charity looks to provide is a Terry’s Chocolate Orange wrapped with a hand-knitted robin, which always proves popular with children when they receive them, as well as selection boxes.
This year, they’ll be fundraising for the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, ready to transform the lives of young people and their loved ones who are currently receiving treatment there.
The story of The Henry Allen Trust…
In February 2012, Henry was diagnosed with stage four, high risk, MYCN amplified neuroblastoma at just two years old.
He endured two years of painful treatments and surgeries with nothing knocking his happiness and bravery, but sadly, at just four, cancer took his life.
Henry wanted other families going through what he and his parents did to have more information, support and love around them, and that’s when The Henry Allen Trust was formed.
It’s not only the child with cancer they support, but their families as well. It’s a terrifying time for everyone involved.
Dawn, Mark and their other volunteers work tirelessly fundraising and supporting, and now they’re in Swindon, they need our help.
If you would like to donate a Terry’s Chocolate Orange or a selection box, you can drop these off at the County Ground reception.
The Henry Allen Trust team will also be fundraising with bucket collections at our forthcoming League Two fixture at home to Walsall on Boxing Day.
We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, but if there is anything you can do to help this fantastic cause, it’s greatly appreciated.
