Aberavon MP Pledges Support for Children's Charity
1st January 2009
Dr. Hywel Francis, MP for Aberavon, recently joined staff and volunteers of the charity React (Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness) at a drop-in session, hosted by MP Susan Kramer, at the House of Commons in Westminster. React was delighted to have the opportunity to introduce MPs to its work assisting children with potentially life-limiting conditions.
Last year, React responded to requests from 1,232 families caring for a terminally-ill child but there are many more children living in Wales who need help. Working closely with medical and social care professionals, the charity can provide any specialist, domestic or educational equipment which is considered to be a 'basic, essential need'.
At the event, Hywel Francis pledged his support for React's cause and spoke strongly of his willingness to help within his local community.
Dr Francis said,
"It is increasingly more and more important that children born with life-limiting illnesses are given support when families cannot afford the care and essential items required. Everyone can help make a difference, be it from a single person or a large corporation. I encourage all members of the community to become involved in this worthy cause which gives depth to children with short lives."
Vicky Andreas, Director of Client Services at React, said,
"We're delighted to have Hywel Francis' support in our quest to improve the lives of terminally-ill children. Families caring for children living with a life-limiting illness are often not given the necessary assistance they require and community support is vital in helping us to change this."
With the help of Dr Francis, React hopes to engage the community in both fund and awareness raising activities, ensuring that all the children in Wales that need React's help have access to their services. To find out more about React and how you can help in your community visit www.reactcharity.org or contact them via e-mail: [email protected] or tel: 0208 940 2575.
