Thanks to the generosity of a group of local councils and trusts, we have been able to purchase a cuddle bed for Hope House.

Children and young people at end-of-life or during difficult parts of their treatment journey benefit hugely from positive physical touch - a hug, a cuddle and sharing a bed with a loved one.

Parents of a very ill or dying child also benefit from being close to their child.

Many of us will have our own childhood memories of parents sleeping next to us when we were unwell or distressed and many of us will also have spent nights tucked up in bed next to a poorly child of our own. 

Cuddles have been shown to reduce anxiety, release feel-good hormones, support pain-relief and promote better sleep.

Beds at the hospice are generally a standard single in size and can’t accommodate a parent or other family member lying down with their child.

Often, children and young people are too fragile at end of life to be lifted onto a knee or to sleep on a standard double bed. 

A cuddle bed is a safe, supportive bed system that can be widened electronically so that a child and parent, carer or sibling can lie down together for a ‘cuddle’ when it is most needed.  

A big thank you to all those who contributed to help us get this new bed:

MBNA Community Fund

The Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable settlement

Charles Littlewood Hill Charitable Trust

Donnington Muxton Parish Council

Brecon Town Council

Dawley Hamlets Parish Council

Rhayader Town Council

Sandbach Town Council

Chirbury with Brompton Parish Council

The Walker Foundation

The Tula Trust

Breakaway Charity

Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund

Worthen with Shelve Parish Council