Tree of Hope helps hundreds of children and young people with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the funds they need to pay for specialist care that is not available through the healthcare system.

Previously Tree of Hope sent every child a birthday present- a special surprise that brought a smile to their faces. But, understandably, it wasn’t something they could prioritise financially. So, we published a request for 300 new books or toys to help Tree of Hope to do just that.

It was a big ask, but we did it - thanks to many generous donors, and the very kind people at Sainsbury’s who sent a big box of children’s books,.

Tree of Hope now support over 800 families and as a lean team of just 9 staff, understandably it has become harder and harder to get the gifts packaged, post and out on time. However, their wish is to still be able to send their children a gift to wish them well when receiving treatment and going through a particularly hard time, to let them know there are lots of people out there who are thinking of them.

The Tree of Hope website is filled with so many heart-breaking stories of young children facing such difficult situations. A gift like this may seem insignificant in these circumstances but, as the past has shown, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness…sometimes little things can mean a great deal.

52 Lives would love to help the Tree of Hope continue sending gifts to children in their time of need.