Coleen praises staff at hospice week launch

Coleen McLoughlin launched Children’s Hospice Week in the UK today.

The fiancée of England star Wayne Rooney wants to raise awareness of the work hospices do and help raise much-needed funds.

Coleen, 20, speaks from personal experience. Her eight-year-old sister, Rosie, suffers from genetic disorder Rett Syndrome and is a regular visitor to Claire House Children’s Hospice in the Wirral.

“The subject of children’s hospices is obviously one which is very close to my heart,” Coleen said.

“Rosie suffers from Rett Syndrome which means she is, and will continue to be, dependent on others for her needs.

“I have seen for myself just how tirelessly staff at a children’s hospice work to make the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families more enjoyable.

“Sadly, children’s hospices receive little in the way of government funding and they rely hugely on the generosity of the public to generate funds.

“I hope that as many people as possible will get involved in Children’s Hospice Week in whatever way they can and both learn about the services offered by children’s hospices and raise as much money as possible.”

Children’s Hospice Week runs from September 16 to 23.

Earlier this year Coleen made her TV presenting debut on ITV1’s Tonight With Trevor McDonald with a programme about children’s hospice care.

There are 39 children’s hospices across the UK and an estimated 20,000 children with life-limiting conditions.

The British government recently announced a £27m (€40m) funding package.