Keyline Colchester helps children’s charity park toy cars

The Colchester branch of Keyline was delighted to donate materials to The Sick Children’s Trust to enable the charity to build a shelter for outdoor toys kept at Acorn House, which is based in the grounds of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

Acorn House, which is run by The Sick Children’s Trust, supports families with children undergoing specialist treatment at Addenbrooke’s hospital with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, enabling families to stay together when their child is seriously ill in hospital.

The charity has a number of outdoor toys that were kept in the garden of Acorn House in all types of weather. The new shelter means the toys will now stay clean and dry, ready for use by children staying in the house.

Abi Abdel-aal, House Manager at Acorn House, commented:

“Acorn House becomes a ‘Home from Home’ for many families whose lives get thrown into complete turmoil when their child becomes seriously ill. And not only do we support parents of critically ill children, but siblings too – who very much like to play in the garden!

“The store is so useful and very much appreciated by the staff team and the families that we support, as the outside toys can be kept much cleaner and are protected from the elements, and the birds! We couldn’t have done this without the generous donation of supplies from Keyline and the funds from another appreciative family that paid for local carpenter Michael Church to construct it.

“On behalf of all the families we support, we’d like to say a huge thank you.”

Lee Moore-Williams, Key Account Manager at Keyline, added:

“When my little girl was extremely poorly and being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, me and my wife stayed at Acorn House for over a month. Without the 'Home from Home' I’m not sure how we would have coped, so Keyline Colchester was delighted to support The Sick Children’s Trust and provide materials for the toy shed; it’s great to hear the shelter has made a difference.”

In addition, Lee has also raised more than £4,000 for Acorn House by completing a 16-mile bike ride and holding a charity day at Colchester United, which was supported by Keyline’s suppliers.

The Sick Children’s Trust believes keeping families together significantly improves the recovery of seriously ill children. It runs ten free, high-quality ‘Homes from Home’ across the UK, supporting families with sick children in hospital practically and emotionally.

Visit www.sickchildrenstrust.org for further information about the charity.