Time is Precious is proud to announce that it is expanding! Coleford couple, Neil and Nicky Halford, set the charity up seven years ago in memory of their son Ben, who sadly passed away aged five, from a 3½ year fight against a rare brain tumour. He would have been a teenager this year. As part of its expansion, the charity now hopes to help local children receive support at home, providing equipment to those that need it in the area. As part of the expansion, the charity will be holding a celebration party and launch this Sunday at the Centurion Hotel with fun and games – and everyone is welcome to join them!

Nicky says: “With thanks for the amazing support from the community, we have decided to try to help more children.

“Over the years, we have had several individual requests, to support children in their homes. Unfortunately, we have had to turn these down, as it has not been in our deeds to do so. However, this has now been passed by the charity commission.

“We are overwhelmed to be able to do this, as we want to help as many children as possible, while still being voluntary.

“Very often, rehabilitation takes place at home and after lots of research, the NHS is always the first port of call for mobility equipment – they can supply the basic equipment needed. However, sometimes individuals need more complex items.

“Time Is Precious aim to help as many children as possible who may need extra equipment not supplied by the NHS at home. This could also include sensory equipment, specialised devices such as Eye Gaze Communication etc. Every child is unique and will need equipment to suit them.

“We will aim to support children within our hospital remit, working alongside staff to ensure the needs of the child is met correctly.

“Children that will benefit will be those that are disabled or have additional needs. This may be due to being born with a condition, due to an illness or even an accident. We have seen the benefits that this equipment brings by purchasing it for hospitals over many years, whether it is to: calm, distract, help to improve brain sensory information, hand eye co-ordination, stimulation, walk, talk, move, sit etc. – these items are vital.

“To launch this exciting new project, we have three children who need different equipment. We have a five-year-old local lad from Radstock, who needs an electric wheelchair for independence; a three-year-old boy who needs a specialised chair called a ‘P.Pod’ due to his disabilities, an eight-year-old boy who needs a mobile Sensory Unit to help with relaxation and stimulation.

“Another service we will be offering is to children that have life-threatening conditions that find themselves regularly in and out of hospital such as: Cancer, Leukaemia, Kidney Failure, Heart problems, etc. We can offer these children smaller items that can be taken in and out of hospital to keep them amused, items such as Portable DVD Players (we had one for Ben and it was invaluable), portable game consoles etc.

“We will also continue to support our local hospitals, by helping to improve the environment and facilities for children and their families whilst in hospital at such a stressful time. There are some major projects that we hope to have completed within the coming months, including the RUH Garden Refurbishment on the Children’s Ward and making the Paediatric Anaesthetic Room for the MRI more child friendly.

“At Bristol Children’s Hospital we hope to finish the refurbishment of the Renal Wards’ Treatment Room and in Yeovil, we are refurbishing the Paediatric Cancer Care Room.

“To enable us to do this, we of course will need more funds. The support of the community is essential and we hope that the support of Time Is Precious will continue as we grow. If a company, family or person would like to support us, they can aim to raise a specific amount for a certain piece of equipment for a child, by sponsoring a child.

“We also need more runners to join our Team TIP for Bath Half 2019. We are offering a special entry fee to celebrate the launch of our expansion of just £25, with a minimum sponsorship of £175.

“We will also be holding a special launch celebration this Sunday, 16th September, at The Centurion Hotel, Midsomer Norton, from 1 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. There will be many special guests, including Captain Jack Sparrow, where there will be photo opportunities. Free activities, a Bouncy Castle, Face Painting etc. It is free entry, so please come along to a fun-filled afternoon to help us celebrate!”

For more information about Time is Precious, the expansion, or to support the children they will be helping, visit: www.timeisprecious.org or find them on their Facebook page. To contact Time is Precious directly, please email Nicky at: [email protected]