When Kevin Hatter, a divan builder at Airsprung Beds became aware of the work of Children's Hospice South West and the fact that it is nearly entirely dependent on donations, he decided to do something to help. Kevin mentioned it to colleagues at Airsprung Group in Trowbridge and suggested a collection. The donations snowballed and before long, nearly £500 had been raised. The team contacted Charlton Farm, the children's hospice based in Wraxall, North Somerset, and suggested it provided a shopping list.
During one of the charity's monthly open days, Debbie Coleman, group HR manager at Airsprung handed over bags of toys, bedding and crockery to Tamara Downes, community fundraiser at Children's Hospice South West. The handover followed a tour of the facilities given by Colin Eastbrook, one of the charity's many volunteers. Debbie explains: "Colin was clearly passionate about the work of the Hospice, having been involved right from the start. When you see the environment they have built here you cannot help but be impressed. It really is a home from home and just feels so welcoming; nothing is too much trouble."
The charity was established 25 years ago by Eddie and Jill Farwell and opened the first of three hospices five years later, the hospice at Charlton Farm was opened in 2007 by HRH The Countess of Wessex. All three hospices are predominantly funded through donations and fundraising events. Tamara says: "We are very grateful to Kevin and the team at Airsprung. Every amount, small or large is always welcome and everything raised goes to making a difference to life-limited children and their families."
