My Chosen Charity

Choosing a Charity

I thought this would be the easy bid but it was harder than I thought.  I asked people to give me suggestions and the ideas rolled in.  A lot of people said I should raise the money for the MS Society as I have MS but I really didn’t want to do that because that would be about me.  Others suggestions included Cancer Research, Water Aid and Save the Children all of which are very worthy charities that I’ve donated to in the past but I wanted something that really jumped out at me.  Then my Nephew, David Ball, suggested a local charity based in South Shields that somehow seemed to me to be the perfect choice.

Charlie Cookson Foundation

The Charlie Cookson Foundation (CCF) provides financial support to parents of seriously ill children with life limiting conditions that require 24 hour nursing care or specialist nursing facilities.  They support parents who may need to reduce their working hours or leave employment to care for a child who needs 24 hour care.   They also raise awareness of the difficulties faced by parents and carers who care for seriously ill children and campaigns to improve the quality of life of sick and seriously ill children.

I heard about the Charlie Cookson Foundation quite a while ago and the story of Charlie and his parents touched my heart.  My own mother lost a daughter who was just 17 and I always thought my Mam was the most amazing woman in the world to have coped while taking care of three other children.  As a mother and grandmother myself I can’t begin to imagine how you would cope if you lost a child, never mind one as young as Charlie.  By doing so much to support families with seriously ill children Sarah and Christopher Cookson are not only helping others but making sure their son will never be forgotten.  They are truly inspirational and the reason I decided to raise money for the Charlie Cookson Foundation.

I wouldn’t know where to start telling you about Charlie’s story or the amazing things the Charlie Cookson Foundation has done but if you want to find out more take a look at their website.

Or hear about this fantastic cause from Charlie’s amazing parents Sarah and Chris Cookson

Want to help?  There are a three things you can do:

1. Have a look at my challenges and join me in some of them to raise money
2. Organise your own event to raise funds.  Let me know what you’re doing and I’ll join you if I can
3. Make a donation at www.justgiving.com/5iftyby5ifty/

Thank you for your support.

How I’m raising money

Boxing Day Dip

Wear Blue for Charlie