Great news for families caring for a seriously ill child and children’s hospices like Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Supermarket giant Morrisons announced they have raised over £2.6 million in the first year of their partnership with charity partner Together for Short Lives.

Morrisons CEO, David Potts said: “We’re delighted to have raised over £2.6 million in the first year of our partnership with Together for Short Lives.

“Our colleagues and customers have gone above and beyond to raise vital funds for local children’s hospices so that they can continue to provide vital support to families caring for their seriously ill child.”

Together for Short Lives is the UK charity supporting the UK’s children’s hospices, including Jigsaw and families facing the heartbreak that their child will die young.

Together for Short Lives CEO, Andy Fletcher said: “We’re so thankful to Morrisons colleagues, customers and suppliers for their incredible fundraising efforts in the first year of our partnership.

“Thanks to your fundraising, Together for Short Lives can make a lasting difference to the lives of families cared for by your local children’s hospice, and help families treasure every moment they have together.”

Morrisons customers and suppliers have supported the charity through cash donations in store and online, and by purchasing products involved in the supermarket’s biggest year yet Every Pack Gives Back initiative raising £763,368. 

Colleagues at Morrisons stores across the country, including those from across Cumbria in Carlisle, Penrith, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal and Barrow, have also been raising vital funds in many different ways, from in-store fundraisers to sky-dives and treks, with many of the activities being match funded by the Morrisons Foundation which supports colleagues in raising money for charities including Together for Short Lives.

The money raised so far can help pay for:

• 1,608 families to have respite care at their local hospice, giving them time together as a family 
• 9 multi-sensory rooms, equipped with fibre optics, mirrors, lights and bubble tubes so that children can have a special sensory play experience 

• 129 seriously ill children to have a special day out to make precious memories, as families know that one day they will be facing their last together 
• 4 Community Support Workers to reach thousands more families that need essential care and help. 
• 400 families to benefit from Together for Short Lives Cost of Living Support Fund, to help ease the burden of families’ rising bills and keep life-sustaining equipment running. 

Adam has been attending Jigsaw for 14 years and has a number of life-limiting conditions.

His mum, Steph said: “Jigsaw has been our lifeline for our family we don’t know where we would be without their care and support.

“Jigsaw is the only place we have where Adam can stay for respite and overnight care because of his complex health care needs.

“When he is at Jigsaw he is well cared for and he has the best time doing the most amazing activities and having days out.

“We can relax and recharge knowing he is well looked after and having the best time.”

Julie Clayton, chief executive of Jigsaw, said: “The children and young people we care for are among the most complex and Jigsaw is a place that families in Cumbria know and trust.

“For the young person it can be a break from home, the chance to connect with other people and do different activities. For families it means a break from caring and a chance to recharge and spend time focusing on other family members and friends.

“We are so grateful to Morrisons and their shoppers for this support.”

Morrisons hope to raise £10 million by October 2024 to help us be there for families like Adam, who has been supported by Jigsaw.