Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool is raising money for Brian House – the only children’s hospice on the Fylde coast supporting children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. As part of Trinity Hospice, Brian House has been supporting local families since 1996, providing outstanding expert care to children during the day and through the night through respite and end-of-life care.

For many of our families, an over-night stay at Brian House gives parents and siblings some light relief away from the constant pressures having a seriously ill child can bring, knowing their child is receiving specialist medical care and attention while making memories and having fun, as all children should.

Taylor is one of the amazing children who comes to stay with us for one night a month. She was born with a devastating heart condition that most babies don’t survive past 14 days. But, as mum Natalie says, she’s a fighter. Taylor has already spent a lot of her young life in hospital and has had two major operations. She needs care and attention all day and through the night, meaning mum and dad, Natalie and Lance, get little rest. They also don’t get much dedicated time with Taylor’s big brother, Calvin.

“When Brian House was mentioned to us, I feared the worst. I thought hospices were a place you go to die, but Brian House is so much more than that. The incredible nurses are worth their weight in gold for the care and attention they give to Taylor, and they’re there for me too. If I’m struggling, the listen to me and they know places that can help.

“When Taylor’s at Brian House I can relax. There’s nowhere else I can send her because her needs are so constant, but when she’s there I can spend time with Calvin, and Lance I can spent important time together. And Taylor absolutely loves it. I look through the window after dropping her off and can see her smiling and enjoying the cuddles and attention.

“I can’t believe that such a vital service doesn’t get the money it needs from the government. Our family is so grateful to the amazing people that support this wonderful charity because they have made such a difference to us.”

It costs more than £1.4 million to run Brian House and keep its services free to families who need it. With little help from the government, Brian House must call on its community – the people it supports – for help. With the chance to raise an incredible £100,000 for Brian House, Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool really means so much to the Fylde coast’s only children’s hospice.