News / Jessie May
Children’s hospice care charity to launch 36-hour matched giving campaign
Bristol-based children’s hospice charity Jessie May will launch a 36-hour matched fundraising campaign on Sunday as part of its urgent ‘Your Community Needs You‘ appeal to save and sustain its unique at-home care service for seriously ill children.
During this short but vital campaign, every pound donated will be doubled by generous match funders – meaning supporters can make twice the impact in keeping children safe, cared for and surrounded by family at home.
“This is more than a donation,” says Jessie May CEO Daniel Cheesman.
is needed now More than ever
“This is a chance to give exhausted parents a break, keep siblings together, and let children be children – all from the comfort of their own homes.”
Demand for their services is up by 53 per cent, but their income remains the same with only 20 per cent of their income comes from statutory funding and a £2m annual running cost forecast for this year, they have a £300,000 funding gap threatening their future.
The matched campaign is a limited-time fundraising drive where donations are doubled by match funders – often businesses, trusts or individual supporters.
The goal is to maximise impact and encourage action, fast.
Jessie May’s matched campaign runs for just 36 hours, from Sunday – Monday, with the aim to raise critical funds to keep specialist nurses delivering care at home.
“We’ve already cut costs where we can and frozen recruitment for non-care staff,” Daniel adds.
“But without urgent support, we’ll have to make difficult decisions. This appeal is about stopping that from happening.
Daniels says resolutely that they’re determined not to cut their services.
But he concludes: “We need our community’s help to keep going.”
Jessie May nurses are there for as long as the family needs them.
With cuts to the sector its children like four-year-old Margot that suffer the most.
Margot entered the world eight weeks premature and at just 19 days old, she was diagnosed with the extremely rare genetic condition known as Trisomy nine Mosaicism.
This condition meant she had a third copy of the ninth chromosome in some of her cells..
The rare genetic condition leads to a variable range of physical and developmental issues, with some individuals experiencing mild effects and others facing more severe challenges.
With only 100 known cases worldwide, Margot’s family faced uncertainty and an unfamiliar road ahead.
It was during this time that Margot’s parents, Victoria and Greg Griffiths were introduced to Jessie May.
Margot’s needs are exceptionally specialised, and the continuity of care offered by Jessie May proved to be a game-changer for the Griffiths family.
Greg said, “I can’t imagine life without Jessie May, they have become an integral part of Margot’s life, our lives, and they give us that huge love and support that is invaluable.
“I would encourage anyone to support them.”
For Margot, who is non-verbal, her reaction to seeing the familiar purple Jessie May T-shirt says it all. “Her whole face lights up,” says Victoria.
“She spins with excitement. She knows she’s going to have fun, get attention, and just enjoy being a child.”
In a life filled with hospital appointments, operations and medical procedures, Jessie May visits are precious.
They’re about joy, play and presence. They bring lightness to heavy days and when crisis strikes they’re there too.
Remaining a reassuring constant in the toughest moments.
“If we didn’t have Jessie May, it would have a genuine and significant impact on all of us,” says Victoria.
“Margot would miss the one-on-one time and connection and we’d lose that time to step back and catch our breath.
“Even her sister Mimi finds comfort knowing Jessie May are there, it reassures her too.
“Outside of medical intervention, Jessie May has been the single biggest positive impact on our lives,” her mum adds.
Unless funds are raised, families like Margot’s may face losing this essential support.
Margot’s condition is extremely rare, meaning the family had to navigate many challenges unprepared.
“You don’t need to run a marathon or host a gala,” say Emma Carter, head of fundraising and communications at Jessie May.
“Just sharing your page with friends and family could raise enough to fund a nurse’s visit – or even an entire day of care.”
Jessie May is calling on local people to sign up as Campaign Champions and help spread the word.
Champions are given:
- A personal fundraising page
- A short video to share
- Guidance and assets to help promote the campaign via WhatsApp, email and social media during the 36-hour campaign
Every donation made through your page will be doubled, and there are rewards for their top fundraisers – so campaign champions are encouraged to spread the word and help Jessie May reach even more families in need.
Other ways you can help
Sign up as a champion and double your impact during their matched campaign on July 6.
- Donate now: we-need-you.jessiemay.org.uk
- Host your own fundraiser or set up a monthly donation
- Share their message on social media and with your networks
- Write to your MP and call for sustainable funding for children’s hospices
This campaign isn’t just about numbers – it’s about protecting the time, space, and support that help families like Margot’s keep going.
It’s about moments of joy in the middle of struggle. Jessie May is more than a hospice at home, they’re a lifeline.
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and seen – and with your help, they can make sure no family ever faces their journey alone.
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All photos: Jessie May
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