Claire House Children’s Hospice launches annual Butterfly Bake Fundraiser

Claire House Children’s Hospice is inviting families, schools, businesses and groups to roll up their sleeves and take part in the annual Butterfly Bake.

Kind-hearted supporters can help their local children’s hospice by baking cakes, biscuits, pastries, or bread throughout March.

The Butterfly Bake is named after the vital end-of-life care provided by Claire House in Merseyside – and everyone can get involved.

Mum Maria Gilchrist, from West Derby, was supported by Claire House when her son Liam was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour at the age of 21.

She said: “Claire House not only supported our son Liam, they were there for our whole family. They helped us to create so many special memories.

“Claire House was our tower of strength. Liam had never been sick, so to have to deal with medications and hospital trips was hard. But I could always pick up the phone and Claire House would be there to reassure me.

“It’s over two years since Liam died and it still feels like yesterday, but I know we’ve got Claire House to support us.

“When you lose a child, you feel like you’re part of a club that no one ever wants to be in, but having the hospice makes me feel like I’m not alone.

“We’d love everyone to get involved in the Butterfly Bake to raise money to help Claire House support more families, now and in the future.”

Liam - Credit Jump Children's Charity — Liam – Credit Jump Children’s Charity

Whether you’re baking at school, having an office bake-off, or swapping tasty recipes with friends, you can don your apron to help Claire House.

You could even hold a bake sale at the local village hall or in your home.

And every penny raised will help the charity to reach out to more children and young adults and their families in your area.

Cora Shafto, Community Engagement Manager at Claire House, said: “The Butterfly Bake is a great way to get involved with Claire House and to find out more about one of our most vital services.

“The bake is named after the end-of-life care we provide, and the butterfly symbol is used by children’s hospices because it is beautiful, yet fragile.

“Anyone can take part during the month and your support means we can be here for more children and their families when they need us most.”

The aim of the Butterfly Bake is to shine the spotlight on the end-of-life and bereavement support Claire House provides to families.

When a local baby, child or young person dies, Claire House offers practical and emotional support during the toughest of times.

The Butterfly coordinators support bereaved families in the Wirral hospice or at home.

Key facts:

Last year, Claire House cared for and supported 100 babies, children and young adults at the end of their life.
£7 could pay for a parent to have a comforting chat and a cuppa with a bereavement specialist.
£47 could fund a counselling session.
£103 would cover a whole day of bereavement care, or £51.50 for half a day of Butterflysupport.

Claire House wants to be there for every child and their family across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales that needs Butterfly support.To get involved in the Butterfly Bake, visit www.clairehouse.org.uk/events/butterfly-bake-2024/ You can also call 0151 343 0883 or email fundraising@clairehouse.org.uk.

They can help with registering the child’s death and funeral planning as well as collecting mementoes, supporting grieving siblings and offering a listening ear whenever it’s needed.