Since 1991, Francis House Hospice has provided both respite and end-of-life care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. It has also offered their families its specialised, individualised and continued support.
And for thirty years, Francis House Hospice’s crucial fundraising has been ably supported by the dynamic Kate Puć. Her efforts, enthusiasm and commitment have inspired many to bring in the millions needed to maintain Francis House, Didsbury’s caring hub for predominantly Greater Manchester’s children, teenagers, young adults and their families.
Mum of one Kate says, ‘Local families come for respite from the stresses and strains of their challenging lives. They’re here to talk, play, laugh, cry, and to find the space, the time and the one-to-one support they need. Family is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not simply a seriously ill child who lives with a life-limiting condition. Their brothers, sisters, their parents and carers share it too. Each year, we help over 435 families whose youngsters have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.’
She continues, ‘Our catchment area of Greater Manchester covers Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, Salford, plus Manchester itself. We help local families live every moment to the full, embracing joy and happiness in a warm and welcoming home from home. Help for children, parents and siblings ranges from respite care to day care and from homecare to end-of-life care. When I started here in 1994, my goal was to raise just under one million pounds a year. Now, our running costs per annum have reached £5.8 million. And out of every £1 we spend, 94p goes towards charitable work.’
Obviously, over three decades, attitudes to raising money have altered. Although children’s charities strike a chord with most people, today’s plethora of worthy causes can confuse the public, create a sense of overload or even render some immune to the plight of youngsters. Kate adds, “I can only imagine what parents go through and don’t know how they cope. All family life revolves around the poorly child. One parent or both may even have to give up work.”
Improved medical intervention ensures many children return here for years for our specialised care, and therefore, we built our teenage and adult building. We do not charge anyone for their stay at Francis House as financial problems are the last thing on a parent’s mind during this challenging time.’
She adds, ‘In the early 1990s, children’s hospices were uncommon. But in 1991, the convent next to Didsbury’s Catholic Rescue Society opened its doors to children who had illnesses for which there was no known cure, this was irrespective of their religious beliefs. Now, Francis House Hospice provides accommodation for each child’s entire family and incorporates Francis Lodge. This offers families short-term rest and teenagers and young adults with life-threatening conditions an age-appropriate facility of their own.’
Kate remains impelled to ‘spread the word’ in as many ways as possible to as many people as possible. As a familiar ‘voice of Francis House’, her appeals to corporates and students, to 7-year-old schoolchildren, senior citizens and community groups are delivered with focus and sensitivity.
The hospice’s regular annual events include Just Helping Big Christmas tree Recycling Appeal, Stars in their Eyes, The Easter Chick Campaign, The Great Manchester Run, Brookside Garden Centre Family Fun Day, The Cheshire Three Peaks Walk, Didsbury Festival, STEPtember, the Festival of Christmas Trees, The Winter Wander, and the bonanza Gala Ball.
Kate remarks, ‘We have had wonderful corporate sponsors, but nowadays it’s hard to find sponsorship. I remember Chorlton’s Lloyds Bowling Club set up Two Guiness World Records in our name by bowling continuously for 105 hours and then 168 hours. Corrie’s Michael Le Vell donated his Marathon Game Show prize money to us, and I actually danced with Sir Alex Ferguson at his Golf & Gala Dinner. I’ve even trekked to Machu Picchu with the Manchester United Foundation. We had another Guiness World Record from Midshire Business Systems organised by Nick Rose a 74-hour Football Tournament. Above all, please remember, however much or little is raised, any money made for Francis House symbolises success. I have met wonderful people from all walks of life. As those who give to charity and fundraise are lovely, I work with lots of lovely people.’
30 years ago, when avid traveller Kate was appointed Francis House office manager, she lacked any desire to commit to any particular occupation. A twice-round-the-world backpacker, Dolomite ski-guide and Lanzarote travel rep, she had already met her future husband, Adam. Five months after starting at Francis House, they married.
As for retirement? Kate Puc concludes, ’I can’t see ever giving up totally, as I love my work so much. They’ll have to give me my marching orders.’
Mind you, Kate has made one concession to the passage of time; she has simply trimmed down to a four-day working week!
Francis House Children’s Hospice
Fundraising 0161 443 2200
www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events
By Fay Wertheimer
