We Are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) celebrates special people and small stories of inspiration and hope in the world. Today I want to celebrate my family members who support local charities.

Support Your Local Charities

My cousin recently raised money for the Douglas Macmillan hospice in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, following the death of our uncle late last year. You can read her story here. I was impressed not only with her motivation to action the charity appeal, but for the care that she helped provide for our family during my uncle’s final days. She took a real interest in the work of the nurses in hospital and those at the hospice, and it has inspired her to consider pursuing a career in palliative care, something I think we can all agree is very important and vital. My cousin was supported by her parents and siblings, and a wider network of family and friends. We all pulled together to raise money in thanks for the care that Douglas Macmillan gave to our uncle when he needed it.

In other news, I attended a short presentation with my daughter’s Brownies Girl Guides unit as they presented a cheque to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity following a charity drive. The Brownies spent time carol singing in our local Morrisons supermarket just before Christmas and raised a sum of money for Leighton Hospital to use in their Lost Little Ones campaign, providing space and care for bereaved families. Most of our Brownies and their families have visited Leighton Hospital, indeed it feels like a second home for me as we investigate a health concern with my younger daughter. Both my children were born in that hospital, and we like to help when we can and show our support, even if it is just to throw a few coins in a bucket and help build some funds that they can use. Small communities can make big changes!

We are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) focuses on positive stories no matter where they’re found. It is all about spreading peace and humanity on social media. All participants post on the last Friday of the month, sharing a positive news story that contributes to making our world a happier, safer, and better place to live.

You can find more about #WATWB from the following hosts:

Sylvia McGrath,
Peter Nena,
Shilpa Garg,
Eric Lahti,
and Belinda Witzenhausen

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