Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS – has launched its spring campaign urging Scots to help dying children and their families make precious memories together.

The national children’s hospice charity, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, cares for Scotland’s most vulnerable children, making sure that the limited time they have left together with their families is filled with as much happiness and joy as possible.

There are over 16,700 babies and children with life-shortening conditions in Scotland but currently CHAS is not able to reach everyone that needs its help. The charity is committed to continue its work to reach everyone who needs its help.

One family who know how invaluable CHAS’s services are is the Meldrums from Edinburgh, who lost daughter Hannah in 2019, aged just one day old.

Hannah was born on 24 April 2019 and passed away the following day, surrounded by her loving family. After she was born she had to be put on life support and the doctors and nurses in charge of her care did everything they could but sadly the complication was to be fatal.

It was the heart-wrenching news that no parent should ever have to receive. Hannah had experienced a placental abruption, a complication that starves a baby of oxygen and nutrients in the womb.

As soon as mum Katrina came out of recovery, she and her partner Ben were introduced to Evelyn, Emma, and Michelle, from CHAS. All three colleagues specialise in births like Hannah’s, and immediately sprang into action to help the family in any way they could. Their caring and friendly presence enveloped the family with warmth at such a difficult time.

Sibling support for Hannah’s sisters, Ailie and Hollie, was also available right from the start with care from CHAS tailored exactly to help the girls process what was happening.

Following Hannah’s death, Katrina and Ben were blessed to welcome another baby, a son they called Max and CHAS has continued to offer support to the whole family.

Katrina said: “Honestly, I can’t praise the CHAS team enough for how they’ve helped us. Michelle still pops by for a visit every so often or when I need and I also find that incredibly helpful when I’m having sad days or when I just want to talk to someone who was there with me through the pain.”

Director of Fundraising and Communications at CHAS, Iain McAndrew said: “Knowing your child may die before you do is the unthinkable reality that thousands of families across Scotland have to cope with every day. We are privileged to have helped Hannah’s family but we know we can’t reach everyone who needs us without the kindness and generosity of our supporters.

“Like many others, CHAS families are feeling the impact of the increase in cost of living which is an added pressure when they are already at breaking point.

“The bottom line is that too many families are facing the heartbreak of losing a child without the support that CHAS can give. We need to increase our income to reach every family in Scotland that needs us and so we’re asking the Scottish public for their help.”

Please donate to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland today by visiting: https://www.chas.org.uk/donate