An initiative which gives seriously unwell and physically disabled children the chance to enjoy VIP sporting and entertainment events has resulted in more than 170 young people from The Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) taking part.
The Barrie Wells Trust has been working with GNCH since 2015, providing exciting opportunities through its Box4Kids initiative to children with conditions like Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leukaemia and organ transplants.
In September, a group of children enjoyed the England v Scotland women’s football international in a VIP box at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The North East’s own Jill Scott MBE met the children at the game. One young patient, Jack, hailed meeting the Lioness as the “best day” of his life and even had his stoma bag signed by her!
The Box4Kids initiative was founded and is solely funded by Barrie Wells MBE, the entrepreneur, philanthropist and international speaker who is based in Lancaster. More than 16,000 young people have enjoyed a variety of events through the initiative.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity, the home of The Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation, has worked closely with the Barrie Wells Trust to identify the young patients who have enjoyed these opportunities through the initiative.
Teri Bayliss, Charity Director for Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “We are enormously grateful to Barrie Wells Trust for their incredible kindness through the joy they have provided to many young people at The Great North Children’s Hospital, thanks to the Trust’s Box4Kids events.
“The hospital’s young patients have enjoyed a range of very special experiences, including the recent England v Scotland women’s international at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
“Despite the difficult challenges the young patients face in their lives, the Box4Kids events make them very happy and are of great support.”
Barrie Wells MBE, Chairman of Barrie Wells Trust, said: “We have had a fabulous long-term relationship with GNCH for almost seven years now.
“The young people nominated by the hospital are so very deserving and so grateful of their VIP experiences.
“It is always an absolute delight getting to know them at events I have hosted, such as the Lionesses game at the Stadium of Light.
“I am so appreciative of the kindness of the hospital’s employees for giving up their time to continuously nominate children in their care to attend Box4Kids events.”
