The Need
 As you read this, there are probably about 1,200 families in the North East region coping with the most devastating news any parent can hear. Their much-loved child will not live to be an adult. For some, death will come in weeks, for others it may be some years. Whatever time left is precious and a children's hospice can help make the most of that time, providing expert medical help and professional care, but also giving emotional support and practical help, allowing the whole family to enjoy the good days and share the bad ones.
At present the North East has the lowest number of hospice beds for children in the whole country - four on Teesside, two in Cumbria and eight in Newcastle - woefully too few to meet the needs of those 1,200 families.
Day-to-day living, family life, holidays and outings are restricted. The need for 24-hour care can be an exhausting and lonely existence. Siblings' needs may have to be pushed to one side. Relationships can crumble under the strain.
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