The 2019/20 seasonal appeal from the music star Rick Wakeman on behalf of the charity Lifelites has raised over £42,000 for life-limited and disabled children using hospice services.
We are particularly aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change of routine and isolation. Everyone is now getting a living insight into what it is like to be a life-limited and disabled child; unable to leave the house independently, or speak to people and socialise naturally, or even carry out all sorts of everyday activities that we usually take for granted. Of course, these are all the challenges that Lifelites is seeking to help these children overcome through the provision of our special technologies.
Lifelites donates and maintains assistive and inclusive technology for the 10,000 life-limited and disabled children using every children’s hospice service across the British Isles. This technology gives these children the opportunity to play, be creative, communicate and control something for themselves, for as long as it is possible.
The appeal, organised by London Freemasons, was sent to Freemason Lodges all over London late last year, and the charity was staggered by the response it received, raising £42,785 for the small charity. This is the fifth year of this festive appeal to London Freemasons for Lifelites, and the total now stands at a staggering £178,000 raised for Lifelites’ vital work.
Lifelites chief executive, Simone Enefer-Doy, said: “It has been astonishing how enthusiastic the Freemasons across the London with their support for Lifelites. We’d like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity and give special thanks to Rick Wakeman for his commitment to supporting our work. The funds raised will help life-limited and disabled children across London to escape the confines of their conditions and do things they never thought possible. In such difficult times like these, it is brought home to us how every moment is precious for these children and their families and these funds will ensure they can make every second count.”
Rick Wakeman said: “I am delighted to be a patron of this remarkable charity. It’s so wonderful to see children facing life-threatening challenges use technology in ways that many of us take for granted. As we all are isolated now, we understand the need for technology to communicate and socialise so much more. Lifelites gives them the opportunity to communicate and play in ways they aren’t able to otherwise – it’s simply magic.”
