Our Mission
The aim of the charity is to help and support children and their families who come under the care of the Piam Brown and the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) wards in Southampton General Hospital.
The catchment for these wards covers the south of England as it is a centre of excellence for children’s oncology. We aim to offer financial and practical help and importantly, the opportunity to make lasting memories for the children, young adults and their families.
As a family that has passed through this ward, we are acutely aware of what a traumatic and frightening journey it can be for both the child and their families. The child’s life is completely taken over by the diagnosis of childhood cancer and their family's worlds are thrown into utter chaos and panic as they watch their child go through the rigours of treatment.
The realty of the future these families face includes months or years of treatment, families are often separated for long periods, as parents need to stay with the child, but also may have siblings that need looking after as well. Jobs are put on hold and inevitably financial implications start to hit home, this puts a massive strain on families as normal life ceases to exist.
Abby’s Heroes has been set up entirely with this in mind. Practical help will be given - financial grants to help people through a difficult time. Bereaved families may be given grants to help give parents time to grieve. Days out and fun memory-making grants will also be given, which will allow the families a chance to do something together.