Sparks - The Childrens Medical Research Charity

Sparks is a unique children’s charity funding medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure for conditions and illnesses affecting children, babies and expectant mothers. 1 in 30 children will be born with a condition or disability which can affect them for life and Sparks Children’s charity seeks to change this.

Sparks aims to reduce this statistic so that all children have the chance to live a healthy, active life. The money raised goes towards research which benefits pregnant mothers with conditions such as pre-eclampsia which can be fatal for both mother and baby. The money also funds research on conditions that affect babies pre-birth and diseases that can develop to have devastating effects in the early years of life, like cancer and meningitis.

Sparks have raised millions to fund vital research that is helping thousands of children around the world. Sparks have helped towards identifying the gene that causes spina bifida and has pioneered research into baby cooling techniques that will help reduce deaths due to lack of oxygen at birth.

Marie Curie - Cancer Care

Marie Curie Cancer has provided services in the West Midlands for many years. The charity cares for terminally ill people both in the community and in its hospice. 113 Marie Curie Nurses work in your local community in the West Midlands who last year provided 62,615 nursing hours to 861 patients in their own homes. There is a Hospice in Solihull which provides vital care not only to terminally ill people but also to their families. The services they provide at the hospice include inpatient care, day services, physiotherapy, complementary therapy, family support services, bereavement care and outpatient services.

In the future the charity aims to open a new Marie Curie Hospice for the West Midlands in early 2013. A new hospice will mean the charity can care for twice as many people as well as providing enhanced day care services for terminally ill people and their families. The money that we raise on the BTSS will go towards helping the charity raise enough money to open a new Marie Curie Cancer Hospice for the West Midlands in early 2013.

The purpose built facility will be designed with the needs of the patients and families in mind. There will be more single rooms, landscaped gardens, direct outdoor access, ensuite facilities and much more. A new hospice will mean that the charity can care for twice as many people as well as providing enhanced day care services for terminally ill people and their families, all in a much improved environment