Eagle Radio asked Chase to give us an insight into 10 important factors of the work they do

Ten things you'd like to know about CHASE…

1. We aim to make childhood what it should be

We are dedicated to making every day count. We can take a child who needs a ventilator to breathe swimming or host a teenagers first ever sleepover – this would not be possible without our help.

2. We are here 24-7, 365 days a year

We are here for the families we support any time they need us. Be it for practical, emotional or nursing care, our doors are always open.

3. We have no guaranteed Government funding

We need to raise £4 million a year to keep our vital service going. We rely mainly on fundraising and receive minimal funding from the State.

4. Many of the young people we support don’t have cancer

Over 80% of the young people we support have genetic degenerative conditions. We care for children with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses, which often include rare conditions that few people have heard of as well as childhood cancer and major organ failure.

5. We care for the entire family

We care for the parents, all the children (including the siblings), grandparents, aunts and uncles – anybody in the close and extended family network that needs our support.

6. Much of the work we do is in the home

We offer nursing, practical and emotional support to families in their homes, their communities and at our children’s hospice, Christopher’s.

7. We support babies, children and teenagers of all ages

From expectant mums to teenagers at university – we offer our support to families with life-limited children aged 0-19. Due to advances in medical technology, many of the young people we support are living longer, often with very complex needs, meaning their journey with us can often be many years.

8. CHASE funds round-the-clock support from local GPs

CHASE independently funds our own NHS GPs to visit every week day. We pay to ensure that these special doctors are available 24/7, so we can call on them when we need them. We also employ one of only seven consultants in paediatric palliative care in the country. This is all funded by our supporters.

9. We are there for families as long as they need us

We offer support to families throughout their whole journey; starting immediately after diagnosis, through the child’s changing condition, to bereavement and beyond. We are often still in contact with families’ years after their child has died.

10. CHASE staff are trained to support families

Families will choose who to share their thoughts and feelings with. So it is so important that the whole team, even those not so closely involved with the families direct care, know how to offer appropriate care and support.

For inspiration on what you could do to help the families Chase support, check out the CHASE website pages on fundraising and events, contact the team at fundraising@chasecare.org.uk, or phone 01483 454213.