Starlight help seriously ill children in hospital play, laugh and do the things they love. Boost Boxes, Distraction Boxes, Events and Experiences and more, Starlight help children forget their worries and feel the joy of childhood.Today, the support Starlight has never been needed more; from Isolation Packs to safely provide items to distract and delight children in hospital, to hosting virtual parties to entertain and keep children connected with others.Children need to play. It’s about much more than having fun. Its how kids learn, communicate and figure out who they are.£5 Could provide a child spending time in hospital with a toy £10 Could deliver storytelling to a child in hospital £20 Could send a seriously ill child on a Starlight Escape Your donations mean Starlight can support frontline health staff to help seriously ill children feel less alone

As an ex-play specialist I have experienced firsthand the benefit and support Starlight provide to children in hospital. Not only did they enhance my job by providing me with the resources to distract many children during my time but also they were able to provide everyday entertainment to enable us to achieve that sense of ‘normality’ that all children should be able to experience - play! Children have the right to play and that is why I want to raise as much as I can for this charity so all ill children can have access to these amazing resources. 

With the help from you and your much appreciated donations we can make a positive impact for children and their families experiencing time in hospital  and help to put the worries a side even if it is for a small period of time. 

On a more personal note if you know the Whitelaw’s then you will know my Dad, the man who can’t put his running trainers away, the man who inspired me to put my first pair of running trainers on and who keeps me going when a run gets hard. Something I have always wanted to do and for him to see is me run a marathon and this is now my time. My time to train, work hard and don’t give up! (Little does he know that he will be my coach for the next 5 months) 

If you have made it this far thank you for taking the time to read my story. I know times are hard but if you could spare any donation or even share my page it would be vastly appreciated! 

Thank you again,

Hayley Xx