How you can help the special 'house' helping Merseyside families in their darkest moments

Claire House has been the “lifeline” for many families across Merseyside since it opened in 1998. Founders, Chris and Bobby Cain, from Wallasey, opened the hospice in memory of their daughter Claire, who suddenly became seriously ill while the couple were expecting their fourth child.

Claire was diagnosed as having a malignant tumour behind her nose and eye and the regular hospital visits meant the family couldn’t all stay together. Claire died in July 1989, aged nine.

Following her death, Chris and Bobby wanted to help other families going through similarly traumatic experiences and so they founded Claire House and have since helped so many people. Mum, Francesca Alfonso, from Hunts Cross, whose daughter, ten, uses the hospice, is just one example of the hundreds of people they help every year.

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Francesca said: “We never really know how many Christmases we’ll have with Sienna, so we want to make every Christmas count. And Claire House makes that possible. Having a child who is terminally ill is hard work. I can't just ask anybody to help because they don't know what she needs in the same way. But Claire House gives me that relief. They’ve become an extension of our family.”

Four-year-old Isla Molloy’s mum Fiona, from Bootle, agreed the charity is a lifeline. She said: “Last year, Isla was in hospital for nearly the whole of December. But Claire House was there for us, and they came onto the ward to support us. They focused on us being able to make memories despite us being in the hospital.”

Mum-of-four Emmie Wood, from Birkenhead, also said: “With rare conditions like our four-year-old daughter Arla's, you could easily feel very alone, but Claire House offers these services and opens doors for you to meet other families, so you don’t feel so isolated.”

Rebecca Flood, whose daughter Sophia, 12, has a rare genetic disorder, also said: “For us as a family, Claire House is like a comfort blanket. They fully understand what we are going through, and they guide us all. It’s not just for Sophia and her condition, they ease my anxiety and support us with anything that we’re struggling with.”

These families have all taken part in this year's Claire House Christmas campaign to raise awareness of the children's hospice and how it's a life line for hundreds of families across Merseyside.

The children’s hospice aims to raise vital funds from its Christmas campaign to help it be there for the 115 seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults it cares for from Liverpool, at Christmas and throughout the year.

Its Christmas advert, created by Liverpool-based creative and production agency Zut, features the voice of TV star Sue Johnston, and has animated scenes of Liverpool and Merseyside, explaining how the charity supports families through some of the toughest times of their lives whilst making magical memories.

Sue, famed for roles in shows such as Brookside and The Royle Family, said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this year’s Claire House Christmas campaign to help families who are facing tough times. I’m in awe of what this wonderful charity does for babies, children and young adults in Merseyside and beyond.

“It warms my heart to know that together, we can bring some joy and smiles to children’s faces, not only at Christmas, but all year round. Every donation, no matter how small, helps to make this a magical time for those who need it the most. I believe that spreading love and kindness is what Christmas is all about.”

Claire House cares for babies, children and young adults from across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales from its sites in Liverpool and its full hospice on the Wirral. David Pastor, Chief Executive at Claire House, said: “We know the people of Merseyside are amazingly generous and will do what they can to help sick children and their families. We urge people to give what they can.

“Money donated this Christmas will ensure we can give the families who come to Claire House a magical Christmas and reach out to other families who desperately need our support in the future.”

Watch the Christmas campaign video here and donate to the appeal by visiting www.clairehouse.org.uk or call 0151 343 0883.