A Southwark family who lost their eight-year-old boy to blood cancer are backing a fundraising campaign to help thousands of households with seriously ill children.
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides vital support for families who have to face the possibility that their child may die and who struggle to cope on a day-to-day basis.
A story at the heart of their campaign is that of Artem’s, a blind eight-year old boy from Ukraine, whose family were forced to flee war-torn Ukraine after the hospital treating him for leukemia was bombed.
Alina, Artem’s mother, said: “We are so grateful for the support Rainbow Trust provides.
“It makes such a difference.”
Artem’s family settled in Southwark in 2022, and soon began receiving much-needed support from Rainbow Trust.
They faced isolation, the trauma of war, a language barrier, and an unfamiliar healthcare system.
Family Support Worker Lilia helped them learn about the local area, set up bank accounts and bill payments, and supported Artem during school hours, easing the stress for Alina and grandma, Natalie.
She said: “To have a child who is seriously ill, to be away from home and not able to speak the language or communicate with doctors, it is a whole world of confusion and uncertainty.
“I am glad to have been able to be there to help them navigate and to have that flexibility to be able to do whatever was needed.”
Artem passed away in 2024 with his family by his side, and Lilia helped them repatriate his body.
She continues to provide bereavement support for Alina and Natalie.
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which will mark its 40th anniversary next year, has supported 253 families in London and the South East over the past year, giving them vital practical and emotional support for as long as is needed.
Tom, Family Support Manager for the London and South East Care team, said: “When a child has a serious illness, family life is turned upside down and time becomes more precious than ever.
“Offering a range of support, tailored to each family, whether it is a chat to an exhausted parent, transport to medical appointments, respite or a day trip for a lonely sibling, or bereavement support can make all the difference to families.”
The charity has care teams across the UK who use donations to pair each family with an expert family support worker who enables them to make the most of their time together.
Their support is varied and includes keeping a seriously ill child company during hospital stays, driving families to medical appointments to save time and money, explaining illness, diagnoses and treatments and providing bereavement support if a child dies.
Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising at Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity said: “I am so grateful to Alina for allowing us to share their family’s story to support our summer fundraising appeal.
“Whatever you are able to give, your kind monthly donation can help support families with a seriously ill child to make the most of their time together.
“Your kindness can completely transform the feelings of isolation, worry and exhaustion that families may experience as they navigate the reality of a child’s serious illness, facing turmoil, uncertainty and fear.”
To support Rainbow Trust’s Summer Appeal, and more families like Artem’s, you can donate here.
Picture credits: Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity
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