We are thrilled to announce that Luke Millington, who led our Christmas appeal to raise £50,000 to fund more care for more children, has smashed his goal!

Luke shared his story of how Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith have helped him since he was diagnosed with the incurable muscle-wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He told of how his nurse Rachel had supported him and made him see that anything was possible, such as learning to drive.

Luke’s story and his incredible positivity has captured everyone’s hearts, and we have been bombarded with messages for Luke along with donations and sales of Christmas raffle tickets.

A week before Christmas, the total stands at more than £56,000, and other donations are arriving daily.

Support for five more children

Luke is thrilled, because the money raised will fund support for five more children at Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith in 2020.

Says Luke: “I feel really lucky to have Hope House in my life, but sad too that they can only afford to help one in every three children who need them.

“By sharing my story I hoped to make people aware of how brilliant Hope House and Ty Gobaith are, and to inspire more people to help.

“I was stunned by how many people donated, and the messages that I was sent. One lady said I was an inspiration and told me to ‘keep aspiring’. That was pretty special. I can’t thank everyone enough for their amazing generosity for such an incredible charity.

“When the campaign started I was learning to drive – and then a few weeks ago I actually passed my test. When we put that on Facebook the amount of comments I got was really good. I can’t believe how many people were interested in what I was doing!”

A wonderful ambassador

As well as sharing his story by social media and video (see www.hopehouse.org.uk/lukes-story), Luke has been out and about taking part in events such as the Hope House Chester Ball and Shrewsbury Lantern walk, visiting local schools and meeting with organisations such as Rotary Clubs. His busy calendar is set to continue in 2020.

Hope House Children’s Hospices Chief Executive Andy Goldsmith said that Luke is a wonderful ambassador for the charity.

“Through raising the profile of the hospices, and all the money that everyone has given in support of his appeal, we will be able to care for and support more children and young people like Luke in 2020.

“A huge thank you to Luke for his help, and to everyone who has helped him achieve his fundraising goal.”

It's not too late to help Luke either by adding your Christmas donation to his appeal! Thank you!