Target reached!
We will be able to buy more boxes to support more children.
Buy a Box. Give the Gift of Memories.
Elland, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
We create boxes to support children close to someone diagnosed with motor neurone disease so they can create, capture and store memories.
This Christmas, we're asking for you to give the gift of memories and buy a box, or items for a box, for a child facing the death of a parent or loved one from motor neurone disease.
We have secured match funding so that if you donate, your donation will be topped up by the same amount.
Please give what you can and support a young person at the worst possible time:
- £5 would buy a memory jar to put in moments and facts to store
- £10 would buy a teddy to cuddle and hold when comfort is needed
- £25 would buy the complete box
The boxes have a simple aim - to create, capture and store memories through activities for families which help ensure facts, moments and thoughts are stored pre-bereavement so that when the worst happens, children are able to use what they have stored to remember the parent, grandparent or loved one they have lost.
The Background
Our memory and treasure boxes are for children close to someone diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) who we support to create, capture and store memories.
18-months in development, they include activities for families to help ensure facts, moments and thoughts are stored pre-bereavement so that when the worst happens, children are able to use what they have stored to remember the parent, grandparent or loved one they have lost.
Every year, 2,000 people are diagnosed with MND, a rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal card. There is little treatment and no cure. A third die within a year, and half within two years.
In 2017, Nick Smith died just 101 days after being diagnosed with MND. He was 38 and had two young children.
Since launch, we have distributed 65 boxes and supported 65 families - but we need to help more and we can only do that by funding more Boxes.
Why it matters
"We didn’t realise just how much we needed to do something like this as a family."
"It has helped us as a family to begin some pretty difficult conversations in a safe way."
“Should be offered to all those who want one, a lovely sentiment and something to keep forever.”
The National Emergencies Trust has provided £2,351 of match funding
This project successfully funded on 8th March 2022