OUR appeal to raise £100,000 for Julia’s House will pay for carers who will give life-changing support to families in Wiltshire. 

The expert carers go into the homes of families coping with the demands of looking after a disabled child or one with a life limiting illness.

It is projected that the £100,000 readers help us raise will cover the total cost for all Julia’s House Wiltshire carers during 2016. 

Anything over and above the cost of the carers will go towards helping Julia’s House establish its much-needed frequent respite care service for life-limited children and their families in Wiltshire.

Carer Jess Baker, 36, has worked for Julia’s House for three years. She said: “When I first saw the job advertised I wasn’t sure it would be for me. But it is amazing and you really feel like you are making a difference.

“It is a very positive experience and I really love my job. 

“It is completely different to how I thought it might be and I am so glad I applied. The training is excellent.

“We work with a number of different children but we are able to build a rapport and trust with families as we see them on a regular basis. We get to know all members of the family and friendships develop.”

Among the carers at Julia’s House is Andrew Orman, 27, who has been with the charity for seven years. The senior carer is very popular with families and children.

Wiltshire fundraising manager Ian Wadley said: “Julia’s House carers provide expert care along with stimulating play, fun and companionship for the child, giving respite to exhausted families. 

“Working closely with the charity’s nurses, they form strong bonds with the family, giving parents the confidence to leave their poorly child with someone else.”

All carers are trained to understand the specific needs of each child and can take care of all their care requirements, administer medication and give gentle massage or physiotherapy.  

They also work with art, music and play therapists. He said: “Play plans, complete with toys, stories and resources, unlock the child’s potential and happiness.”

How to help

There are many ways you will be able to help throughout the year by joining in fundraising, organising your own event or giving to our appeal when you do something amazing such as running a marathon, sky-diving or abseiling.
You can make a difference straight away by filling in the form below or sending a text message donation or going on-line.

To make a donation of £10, send 200APPEAL to 70500. To make an online donation or for further information on the Gazette & Herald’s 200 Appeal for Julia’s House, please visit the hospice website's Gazette appeal page by clicking here.