A HOSPICE that cares for babies and children having end of life care is inviting families, schools, businesses and groups to take part in the annual Butterfly Bake.

Kind-hearted supporters can help the children’s hospice – which cares for children from St Helens and across the northwest - by baking cakes, biscuits, pastries, or bread throughout March.

The Butterfly Bake is named after the vital end-of-life care provided by Claire House – and everyone across Merseyside can get involved.

Mum Paula Loudon explained how Claire House became a ‘home from home’ for 15 years and supported the family when daughter Mia died at the hospice aged 15.

She said: “When you’re starting off on your journey, you don’t know what to expect but Claire House blew us away, it was an absolute lifeline.

“I couldn’t have got through the 15 years without Claire House. They were there for me all the time, whenever I needed them.

“The Butterfly team were there for us when Mia passed away and they’re still there for us now if we need them. Every now and then, they check in with us to see how we are, which is lovely.

“It’s invaluable, you can’t put a price on the support that we’ve received, they’ve been amazing. We want to encourage people to get involved in the Butterfly Bake to help Claire Housse support more families like ours.”

Whether you’re baking at school, having an office bake-off, or swapping tasty recipes with friends, you can don your apron to help Claire House.

Every penny raised will help the charity to reach out to more children and their families in St Helens.

Cora Shafto, Community Engagement Manager at Claire House, said: “The Butterfly Bake is a great way to get involved with Claire House and to find out more about one of our most vital services.

“The bake is named after the end-of-life care we provide, and the butterfly symbol is used by children’s hospices because it is beautiful, yet fragile.

“Anyone can take part during the month and your support means we can be here for more children and their families when they need us most.”

The aim of the Butterfly Bake is to shine the spotlight on the end-of-life and bereavement support Claire House provides to families.

When a local baby, child or young person dies, Claire House offers practical and emotional support during the toughest of times.

Three Butterfly coordinators support bereaved families in the Wirral hospice or at home.

They can help with registering the child’s death and funeral planning as well as collecting mementoes, supporting grieving siblings and offering a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

Key facts:

• Last year, Claire House cared for and supported 100 babies, children and young adults at the end of their life.

• £7 could pay for a parent to have a comforting chat and a cuppa with a bereavement specialist.

• £47 could fund a counselling session.

• £103 would cover a whole day of bereavement care, or £51.50 for half a day of Butterfly support.

 

To get involved in the Butterfly Bake, visit clairehouse.org.uk/events/butterfly-bake-2024/

You can also call 0151 343 0883 or email fundraising@clairehouse.org.uk.