We have some very important partnerships with other local organisations who help us with our running costs. Here’s one of the biggest.
Fylde Coast philanthropist, Ken Townsley, is making sure Brian House Children’s Hospice will have even more music and laughter as staff help the youngsters there make the most of every day. Ken’s charity – the Kentown Wizard Foundation – has agreed to fund additional play worker hours, and extra music therapy sessions for local life- limited children.
And as if that wasn’t enough, he is continuing to pay the salaries of two senior staff nurses in a three year pledge that totals over £400,000! His generosity has once more overwhelmed hospice staff, who have benefitted from various sponsorships and gifts over the past two years.
Linzi Warburton, Head of Fundraising at Brian House, said: “Kentown Wizard has become such an amazing partner to us. Ken’s generosity is helping to pay for our unique brand of nursing care for some of the most fragile youngsters on the Fylde Coast, but he is also paying for music therapy and extra play worker time – so his money is bringing laughter, song and very wonderful experiences here at Brian House. We think he is simply amazing.”
Ken was the hospice’s ‘Secret Santa’ in December, when he covered the costs of the annual Santa Dash. He also paid for the first ever Brian House Golf Day at Royal Lytham so that every pound raised went to the children’s hospice.
Ken made his fortune in the travel industry and though he lives mostly in America he still has a home in Lytham St Annes. Through his foundation he has pledged to give millions to charities which help disabled youngsters – and he has given big donations to a number of good causes across the region.
Senior Sister at Brian House, Vicky Murphy, said: “We are sending a huge hug to Ken and his team because their ongoing support means so much to us. Without financial help from the community Brian House could not stay open, and without us, I don’t know where families would turn when they face the reality of having a child with a life limiting illness.
“Ken doesn’t like publicity and he doesn’t look for public thanks, but on behalf of everyone here I want to say a very big thank you – he is making such a difference to the lives of the youngsters in our care.”