FAMILIES caring for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses on the Isle of Wight will have help from a dedicated support worker thanks to Layla's Trust.
The Isle of Wight charity has made a £12,000 donation to the Rainbow Trust, a national organisation that specialises in helping families.
They have appointed support worker Madelaine Reilly who will provide emotional and practical support to families on the Island at home, in the community and should they need to travel to Southampton General Hospital.
Layla's Trust was founded in 2011 by Island couple Emma and Colman Cotter whose daughter, Layla, died when she was just 10 weeks old.
Emma said: "Supporting the Island community has unique challenges particularly if your child becomes seriously ill.
"Layla's Trust is proud to have committed over £12,000 to help fund Madelaine's valuable work as a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker on the Island. We first approached Rainbow Trust back in 2012 to see whether they would be able to bring their services to the Island and now, after years of planning and negotiation, we are so pleased to have them here and that we are able to work together as a team for the betterment of our Island community."
Madelaine said: "My role is flexible so I am able to fit in around them and provide ongoing, regular support, unique to them, as every family is different. I'm loving my new role, building relationships with the families and hopefully making a positive impact in their lives."
For anyone on the Island caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness, who are interested in receiving support please contact madelaine.reilly@rainbowtrust.org.uk.