Boost for charity helping children with long-term illnesses

Friday 08 March 2019

A local charity which supports children with critical and long-term illnesses and their families has received a £7,000 boost from Specsavers’ support office.

Jake’s Heartfelt Funds was chosen as Specsavers Community Sports and Social Club’s nominated charity two years ago. During that time, support office staff at La Villiaze have held several fundraising initiatives to raise a total of £6,970.96.

The charity was formed in 2013 by 13-year-old Jake Guy, who was born with a serious congenital heart defect. It provides financial help towards, food, clothing, travel and toys to families of children in hospital with long-term illnesses.

The charity's treasurer, Emma Mauger, said: "Outside of our usual work and very exciting is that we have agreed to fund the decoration of the children’s Emergency Department bay at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital using the money from Specsavers.

"We are working closely with Lottie Barnes, the Arts, Culture & Health Manager at Health & Social Care, as well as Jake himself to come up with design idea. We hope this project will be finished by the end of 2019."

An artist will be commissioned to transform the space with a focus on creating an environment which is both relaxing yet interactive to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Ms Barnes added: ‘We are so grateful for the generous support from Specsavers and Jake’s Heartfelt Funds. This project really will have such a positive impact on service users and staff."

During Specsavers’ two-year partnership with Jake’s Heartfelt Funds, Chair of the Community Sports and Social Club, Caren Maguire, said staff had organised a variety of fundraising events.

"Jake’s Heartfelt Funds does fantastic work with to help support local children and their families at a time when they most need it," she said. "At Specsavers we are passionate about giving back to the community and this is at the heart of our company vision and values. Our Community, Sports and Social Club is delighted to announce that we will be partnering with Guernsey Mind for the next two years."

Pictured top: Specsavers' Tiana Clarke, Lottie Barnes, Emma Mauger, Lianne Larkin, Jake Guy and Jade Le Cheminant.