Housing Units and Kidscan deliver Jubilee afternoon tea to children with cancer at RMCH

Housing Units staff delivered afternoon tea to children at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

As the UK prepared to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a team from Housing Units in Hollinwood delivered afternoon tea to children receiving treatment for cancer, and their families, at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Housing Units Marketing Manager Amanda Hastie said: "It only feels right to bring the party atmosphere and a slice of normality during this momentous occasion to these brave children that are in hospital receiving cancer treatment.  

"These children are unable to attend Jubilee celebrations with family and friends and therefore, the team at Housing Units wanted to take the celebration to them, so that they don’t miss out and can have a day to remember."

Kidscan’s Head of Operations and Marketing Kirsty Leigh said: “Whilst the whole of the UK is busy planning parties to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, there are sadly many children who will be spending the bank holiday in hospital receiving treatment for cancer.

"Being able to work with one of our longest corporate supporters to provide the children in Ward 86 their own Jubilee celebration has been a real privilege.” 

As well as giving children on the ward a way to get involved in the Jubilee celebrations, the afternoon tea also provided a welcome change to the standard menu.  

Kidscan Patient Ambassador Charlotte Jennings said: “I was 11 when I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, and I was treated at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, with my first stay being for 124 days.

"It was always so important to keep our energy up, but because of the side effects of treatment I didn’t always feel up to eating at set mealtimes.

"So events like this with cakes, sandwiches and food throughout the day are really important for children going through cancer, and it’s a great morale boost.

"In hospital it can be very easy to feel left out when the whole country is celebrating, so events like this are so special and make children feel not so alone."

The afternoon tea celebration is part of a year-long celebration marking 75 years of the locally-based family-owned home department store.

As well as supporting children with cancer through activities like the afternoon tea party, Housing Units are also aiming to raise over £75,000 for their charity of choice, Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research.  

To find out more about Housing Units campaign or to donate, click here

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