On the 17th January Oli, Ben L, Ben S & Martin (pictured here) are flying out to Tanzania to take on their epic challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, all to help raise vital funds for Forever Colours Children's Hospice. They have been training hard over the past few months and are doing everything they can in-between their busy lives to prepare for the climb. We are so grateful to them for taking on this massive challenge to raise money to help us to continue to support the children who need us most.

Forever Colours Children's Hospice supports children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as profound-and-multiple learning difficulties, and their families across Buckinghamshire. Forever Colours provides vital services such as care, advocacy, family support and specialist play to children and their families who find themselves in a situation no family ever dares to think of.

Our crucial services provide a lifeline to families when they have nowhere else to turn, families just like Jenna's...

Jenna is a busy single mum to two beautiful girls, Holly and Emily, and juggles family life on her own. However, Jenna's days include much more than school runs and cooking tea, given that both of her daughters have complex medical needs.

Holly, aged six, has epilepsy and although her condition is managed well by daily medication, each day fills Jenna with fears of another seizure. Jenna doesn't only have Hollys medical needs to take into consideration, but 4 year old Emily's needs are sadly even greater.

Emily has a rare genetic syndrome caused by a gene mutation, known as UNC45A. UNC45A is a life-limiting condition, meaning Emilys life expectancy is severely reduced. Emily requires 24-hour care, which is impossible for Jenna to provide alone.

Jennas family were thrown a lifeline when they were referred to Forever Colours in February 2022. The Forever Colours Team have supported Jenna with end-of-life planning for Emilys future, and offer Jenna, Holly and Emily practical and emotional support; supporting them to have a choice in a situation where all control has been taken from them. Forever Colours offers play sessions to both Holly and Emily, supporting the girls at home, school and in hospital. The play sessions provide a safe space to explore their feelings and emotions, and to prepare for the future. Whilst we're not able to reverse the effects of Emilys condition, or her life expectancy, we are able to support Jenna, Holly and Emily and help plan for the very hard times the family face ahead of them. Forever Colours have supported the family to make lasting memories with Emily, and are supporting Holly to understand that she will one day live without her sister.