Parents who need to provide their seriously ill children with round-the-clock care will be able to take a much needed rest thanks to a grant from East Lancashire freemasons.
The £7,600 grant to Lagan’s Foundation will help provide trained carers to offer parents of children with severe heart and feeding issues some vital support and respite. Lagan’s will use the money to recruit and train new carers so that more families can benefit from the breaks that the charity offers.
Caring for a seriously ill child over an extended period can take a major toll not just on the health of the parents, but also on their relationship. Being able to take a break allows them to get some desperately-needed rest and spend time with each other and with siblings, who inevitably lose out in terms of parental attention.
Lagan’s Foundation was founded by Bolton-based Carren Bell after she lost her baby daughter Lagan from a heart defect in 2011. The charity now operates nationally. As well as giving parents a break, the Foundation gives parents and guardians the necessary support and information, offers bereavement help when necessary and campaigns to increase awareness of the use of breast milk donation and usage.
The grant from East Lancashire freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Carren Bell, Chief Executive of Lagan’s Foundation said:

“Local authorities, health services and most importantly families and their children, are reliant upon our expertise and the dedication of our carers. This donation will improve the lives of people at their most difficult time and we and they are immensely grateful for it.”

Steve Clark from East Lancashire Freemasons added:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support Lagan’s Foundation. They provide invaluable help and support to parents who often give up everything to help their children and who benefit enormously from the chance to re-charge their batteries.”