Having set Carlisle United fans the challenge of making a dream come true for one of our Jigsaw children (Cumbria’s only children’s hospice), we were delighted to meet 14-year-old Alesha Bancroft and her family two weeks ago to tell them that, thanks to your generosity, we were about to send them off on an all-expenses paid luxury trip to London to take in, amongst other things, the fantastic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Alesha and five other members of her family made the journey to the Big Smoke this week and, as you can see from the picture of Alesha at the London Eye, the smile hasn’t left her face as she also took the opportunity to visit Sea Life, Oxford Street and take a Big Bus Tour to make sure none of the major attractions were missed.
And we were given a huge treat on Thursday afternoon when Alesha facetimed us from the Eye, moments before stepping into one of the pods.
Director of football David Holdsworth said: “It was lovely to speak to Alesha and her family face-to-face, as they were taking in some of the London sights and activities, and to see how much the trip means to them.
“The smile on her face was magnificent to see. Seeing the joy we’ve brought to such deserving people is exactly the reason why we wanted to have the ‘Make A Dream Come True’ campaign in the first place, and we should all feel very proud that we came together, as a club and community, to make it happen.
“Alesha and her family asked me to pass on their heartfelt and very deep thanks to everyone who donated to this appeal. We really have helped to make some very special memories for some fantastic people and, judging by the call I had with Alesha, it’s going to be very difficult to get that smile off her face. That, for me, is what this has all been about.”
Jigsaw is the only children’s hospice in Cumbria. From Workington to Appleby, Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle, Jigsaw provides unique care and support to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses.
The Jigsaw care team include highly skilled nurses, health care assistants and activity co-ordinators to provide individualised, complex nursing and therapeutic support for each and every child and young adult who needs it – giving the chance to have the childhood experiences we want for all children. Jigsaw’s care is offered for free and without obligation.
Rachael Kegg, Nurse Team Leader at Jigsaw, commented: “All the care and activities provided here at Jigsaw require funding from the generous support of the local community. From a single donation to running marathons and much, much more, your support really does make a huge difference.”
Anyone interested in Paying for a Day for Jigsaw care (which is £2,126.46) can find out more details at www.jigsawhospice.org/support-us/pay-for-a-day
Alternatively, you can make a difference today by sending a text donation, all you have to do is text JIGSAW to 70500 and give £5. Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice receives 100% of the donation.
