Ensuring parents are fed is one of Sophies main wishes. She could never understand why I was never offered food. We really shouldn't be allowing parents to be starving in hospital or stressing about where they can find some. We fed every parent in Portsmouth hospital tonight.
Two years ago when we lost Sophie. Two years we've lived with the heavy, heartbreaking pain not feeling ever complete. Sophie's life cut way too short, she had so much more to give. We're doing just what Sophie wanted us to do by supporting families in hospital.
#NeverForgotten
So proud to say that an 8 week trial of feeding the parent that stays overnight has started in the following hospitals....Alder Hey, Birmingham, Bristol, GOSH, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Southampton. All under Sophie's Legacy initiative.
This poster explains what we do. We provide snack and toiletry boxes in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester, Chichester, Guildford and Salisbury Hospitals for parents to access. We're being approached by so many other hospitals to support parents.
Every parent in Portsmouth hospital fed last night. To hear of families getting into debt to fed themselves whilst in hospital is just plain wrong. The government and NHS have the ability to change this and I'm begging them to please do something for families that are desperate
To have parents contact us every week saying how hungry they are when in hospital with their child is just so wrong. We are expecting parents to stay overnight with their child in hospital and offer no food or cooking facilities. Only access to expensive shops! It has to change
Fathers Day has now become one of the most difficult days of the year for me as 1 of my 3 children is no longer with us and a piece of me is broken. Losing a child is simply the wrong order and its something I will always struggle to come to terms with.
#FathersDay
I can't explain how proud I am to share this huge achievement which is hopefully just the start in making changes and fulfilling Sophie's wishes. This is available everyday starting Monday and open to any parent/carer staying overnight. Hopefully other hospitals follow.
Loved sharing why play in hospital was so important for Sophie and why change is needed. Sophies words were "you wouldn't run a ward without nurses, I don't think you should run a word without play specialist." Children's voices should be heard and action taken.
I struggled watching Gogglebox last night with the two stories of a 2 Yr old and 22 yrd who died of cancer. It was an episode raising money for Stand up to Cancer. The money goes to Cancer Research UK who only invest 3% of their money on 0-24 Yr old. Surely they should be...1/2
Play in hospital week.
Sophie wanted to be able to play 7 days a week in hospital. I'm just going to share Sophie's words as I think it days it all......
"They wouldn't run a ward without a nurse, I don't think they should run a ward without a Play Specialist."
We run a charity supporting families in hospital who cant get access to food, transport, clothes, toiletries etc. All in memory of my 10 year old daughter who died in Sept 2021 and wanted things to change. We are like the food bsnk in hospital
#legup
#sophieslegacy
#forever10
It is so important to look after those who need it. Families in hospital shouldn't have to decide how many meals can they afford or how often can they visit their sick baby because of travel costs. These are some basic needs which we cover as s charity.
#feedtheparents
#NHS
Delivering mother's day gifts to Portsmouth and Southampton children wards. Thinking of all those mums in hospital with their children or sadly grieving the loss of their child. As a charity, we're here to support you so you can care for your child.
#MothersDay
Know the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. My daughters had stomach pains, nausea, swollen tummy and bleeding. All put down to other things by our GP but I knew something wasn't right. Trust your gut instincts as a parent. You know your child
#ccam
#itsnotrare
@cj_dinenage
Yesterday we delivered 222 pizzas to 10 hospitals to ensure parents were fed. All in memory of Sophie on her birthday. She was so passionate about parents being fed in hospital. We will one day achieve her wish around the country.
#forever10
#feedtheparents
I met with the Acting Head of Catering at North Hampshire hospitals yesterday and starting today they are feeding parents from the menu. This will make a huge difference to families in Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals. Change can happen.
#feedtheparents
#sophieslegacy
Looking forward to sharing about how important play is in hospital at Cambridge University tomorrow. Tonight is networking with all the speakers. We need change to play in hospital, it was Sophies wish. We need everyone who can influence change to do what they can.
So proud that we are funding an art practitioner in Portsmouth hospital one day a week. Hayley has been making such a difference to children and teenagers during their hospital admissions. Sophie would've loved this.
#artinhospital
#sophieslegacy
#NHS
We hosted our first charity ball last Friday. It was an incredible night woth 231 people attending. Incredible singers, dancers and entertainment. We raised £30,527.62. This will make such a difference to so many families in hospital. Thank you so much to everyone who attended
It's not everyday you get invited inside number 10 Downing Street for tea and cake!! Also met
@denise_vanouten
and
@MrDuncanJames
who were lovely. Hopefully some exciting things to come following this visit. Flying the flag for childhood cancer
We're just starting in our eighth hospital...Isle of Wight. We can now say we cover all of Hampshire hospitals and beyond. Our mission is to support families admitted to hospital with their child. Change is possible....
#sophieslegacy
Please watch and share. These are the statistics of childhood cancer. As adults we must do more for our children. It is childhood cancer awareness month and 2 years tomorrow since we lost Sophie. Change must happen.
#ccam
#sophieslegacy
So excited to share that we have started in our 9th hospital....Dorset County hospital. We have been in for a few weeks and it is already making such a difference to the families on the ward. To be able to have food, toiletries etc is an essential need.
This week marks two years from when Sophie relapsed. Having to make a decision on what to do next is the hardest. Sadly for us the options were so limited. I still live with the daily what ifs and regrets. Knowing that stopping treatment means your child will die is the worst.
3 years ago today I took Sophie to A&E knowing something wasn't right. 2 years today, Sophie was admitted back in with horrific pain, unable to walk and died a couple of weeks later. There needs to be more funding to find treatment to save children like Sophie.
#CCAM
It is so sad to see families struggling because they have a child admitted to hospital. We're receiving referrals to help families fund their fuel, food or toiletries. Such basic things that families are struggling to afford. I'm proud that our charity can help these families
After hearing only last week that a mum was living off Tiktaks for three days because she couldnt leave her poorly daughter in hospital it makes me so determined to keep pushing parents being fed. We can't keep allowing parents to starve themselves in hospital.
#feedtheparents
Today my friend Katie and myself delivered 115 gifts to Fathers in hospital in Portsmouth and Southampton children's wards.
So many dad's were so surprised and grateful to have someone think of them today.
Happy Fathers Day 2023
#sophieslegacy
#Fathersday2023
#fathersday
Happy heavenly birthday Sophie. You should be here enjoying your cake and presents. Cancer took you fat too early. You're forever 10 and I'm forever heartbroken. So sorry we couldn't save you.
#sophieslegacy
#ChildhoodCancer
#forever10
When I look at what we've achieved since we were given our charity number in May it makes me so proud. I have the best team of volunteers and supporters. Every penny goes to helping to support families in hospital. Change is definitely happening.
#sophieslegacy
#feedtheparents
An incredible weekend with 60 runners completing 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon. We also had 6 cyclists on Saturday cycling 60k. In total over the weekend raised over £20k for Sophie's Legacy. An unbelievable amount raised. Thank you for all involved.
One day we will have all parents who stay overnight with their children being fed. I get contacted by so many patents telling me how hungry they are and with no access to food. It is so wrong that this should be happening. It's time for change
#sophieslegacy
@cj_dinenage
Thank you so much to Cook for choosing us as the charity for the year. Giving us 30 meals a week for free for a while year so we can feed parents in hospital. This will cover Portsmouth and Southampton hospitals. This will make such a difference.
#feedtheparents
@NHSEngland
@NHS
No matter what your lifestyle is or your wealth you have the same chances of having a child be diagnosed as everyone in this country. Why is Childhood Cancer still the NUMBER ONE killer of children in the UK? Why aren't we doing more?
@cj_dinenage
@theresecoffey
@trussliz
Yesterday we officially opened Sophie's art studio at her school. This was built by the community of trades coming together to create a lasting legacy in Sophie's memory. It is a space children from 4-11 years will get to use art in school. Thank you to everyone involved.
It is so important parents and health professionals know the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. 80% of children have stage 4 cancer by the time they're diagnosed. 1 in 450 children are diagnosed with cancer under the age of 15. It is still the NUMBER ONE killer of children.
We won't let the government fail our children for anymore decades. They deserve so much more. Action speak louder than words. Let's hope with enough pressure the government will change their mind and prioritise children with cancer!!!
Over the last week we have delivered Halloween arts, crafts and pumpkins to all 9 hospitals we look after. It is so important for children not to miss out when in hospital. What are you doing this Halloween?
#sophieslegacy
#playinhospital
#HappyHalloween
It was a great meeting with
@SteveBarclay
and
@cj_dinenage
sharing Sophie's wishes along with the children and young people's cancer plan. Lots of tasks allocated to people and Steve is really committed to making this happen. Change is hopefully coming.
#sophieslegacy
What a game! Yesterday we organised a charity football match against Pompey Legends. They beat us this year but we raised just over £28k. This will help us to support so many more families in hospital.
2/2 about how their money is spent so that viewers who donated at these heartbreaking stories know that the chance of money going to resesrch into children is minimal. To have two separate stories aged under 24 yrs on one episode tugs at people to donate.
I'm so proud we got the first ever debate on childhood cancer in the House of Commons yesterday. I'm deeply disappointed by the response from
@mariacaulfield
who said so much that was factually incorrect but also said Alice was doing well when she had died. 1/2
Childhood cancer isn't rare. 1 in 450 children aged 15 or under will be diagnosed with cancer. You will never think it will happen to you until it sadly does. More must be done as it is still the NUMBER ONE killer of children. Do you know the signs and symptoms????
#Cancer
Sophie's Saturday Suppers. We delivered 24 pizzas to the families in Portsmouth hospital. Every family were fed and I know Sophie would be so pleased parents are getting fed. Thank you to C and L Management for paying for them this week.
#sophieslegacy
#seethegoodineveryday
Sophie's 10k medals have arrived! You can do your 10k by running, walking, cycling, swimming etc. Sophie designed this medal shortly before she died. She wanted people to get out and move whilst they still can. Please order yours from
A year ago we received our charity number. This video captures the highlights of what we have achieved. What an incredible year with a little team of people making it happen. All whilst dealing with the loss of Sophie. Super proud of everyone who has played a part.....
What an amazing experience and platform to talk about Sophie's wishes, our work with feeding parents and the national Sophie's Legacy trials in the children's hospitals. I really believe we will achieve Sophie's wish of feeding parents in hospital.
"Often parents put themselves at the bottom of the list."
@Sophieslegacy10
started to fulfill the bucket list left behind by 10-year-old Sophie, who wanted to make the hospital visits for kids and their parents as easy and stressless as possible.
This amazing charity are working hard at funding research into rhabdomyosarcoma. One day new treatment will be available which will be kinder and cure all children. Sophie and all children like her deserved more. This is why we're campaigning for a childhood cancer mission.
CCAM - Sophie was diagnosed with anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2020 and sadly died a year later, aged 10. Sophie's journey attracted attention via her mother's blog.
@Sophieslegacy10
works alongside Sophie's Arc to fulfil changes Sophie wanted such as research.
#CCAM
We will keep asking for the Government and those who can make a difference to do more. Childhood Cancer is the NUMBER ONE killer of children. 1 in 450 children aged under 15 will be diagnosed with cancer. Do you know the signs and symptoms? We must do more for these children.
Thx
@starlight_uk
for an important discussion on evidence 4 play in all healthcare settings for babies, children & young people 🌟
An added bonus was catching up with Charlotte, mum of Sophie
@Sophieslegacy10
about the importance of feeding parents/carers in hospital
@WeCYPnurses
I'm looking forward to speaking and sharing Sophies journey at this event. Play in hospital was so important to Sophie, it was something that took her mind away from what was happening and helped her to process things. Sophie wanted play specialist 7 days a week.
Join us on the 23rd March for our “Just play? A symposium on play in children’s healthcare” event in partnership with PEDAL.
Hear from expert speakers across the sector discussing research, policy, workforce development and more!
👉 Book your place:
I'm so proud to be able to support play in hospital. It was something Sophie wanted to see much more of especially at the weekends. She wrote it on her bucket list before she died aged 10. Sophie would be so happy we could brighten up children's day who are in hospital.
Play in hospital week has begun
@SotonChildHosp
! Today we looked at feelings, and made our own worry monsters! A massive thank you to
@Sophieslegacy10
who brought our huge wish list to complete activities!
#PIHW22
Felt honoured to present Sophie's story at the annual conference
#nahpsconf22
. Was lovely to catch up with
@pyewoman
and hear about the changes they want to make inspired by Sophie. We really need play specialist 7 days a week in all hospitals.
#sophieslegacy
Children present differently with cancer. Would you know the signs? If you're a health professional do you feel you've received up to date training to identify cancer in young people? Diagnosing early is important for all ages. Let's improve things for children like Sophie.
We have delivered over 1000 advent calendars this week to 7 hospitals. In Portsmouth hospital we had a huge elf on the shelf delivering each one to the children on the ward. It was a very naughty elf which the children found very funny. It was so lovely to hear them laughing.
Thank you to Caroline for her perseverance with our childhood cancer mission. We won't stop until things change. I'm hoping some things will move forward following my meeting with
@SteveBarclay
. Children like Sophie deserved so much more.
@hollywills
@thismorning
Thank you so much for making my daughters dream come true. She was star struck and in so much pain but loved it. We have one thing left to achieve and that's meeting
@antanddec
please help
It would be great to get buildings like
@SpinnakerTower
to go gold in September for childhood cancer awareness month. It is the NUMBER ONE killer of children by disease and more needs to be done. Please help us to raise awareness of the evil disease.
#childhoodcancer
We won't stop pushing the government until the Childhood Cancer Mission is implemented. Huge thanks to
@cj_dinenage
for getting behind Sophie's Legacy.
A very special Jubilee event we organised for the children, parents and staff at Portsmouth hospital. Just because you're in hospital doesn't mean you have to miss out on everything. Funded by Sophies Legacy charity.
September is International Childhood Cancer Awareness month and we would love you to go gold by wearing a ribbon, pin badge, sharing signs and symptoms or raising money for children Cancer. It is still the NUMBER ONE killer of children. Sophie deserved more....
@cj_dinenage
We fed every single parent on Starfish, Shipwreck and CAU tonight with a
@dominos
pizza. Thanks to
@aquaplatinum1
for funding these tonight. Sophie would be so pleased that every parent was fed. Her wishes fulfilled tonight.
Captain Tim Davey proudly presented a donation to a local charity today. We are honoured to support
@FarehamBC
chosen charities, including
@Sophieslegacy10
. Mayor Fred Birkett and Mayoress Lisa Birkett joined us in presenting the cheque. This is for you, Sophie!
#SophiesWishes
We won't stop until changes are made. I look forward to seeing
@SteveBarclay
to discuss the children and young people cancer mission. So much more needs to be done. Thank you Caroline for all your doing.
We are thrilled that our volunteer Jill Durnell is one of the 500 official Coronation Champions!
The
#CoronationChampionsAwards
, launched by
@RoyalVolService
, is all about recognising the outstanding efforts of volunteers across the country!
Have you signed up for Sophie's Halloween 10k yet? You can run, walk, cycle, swim or do 1k everyday for 10 days. Sophie designed this medal shortly before she died, she wanted people to move whilst they still can. Go to to order your medal.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We are determined to make it easier for families in hospital so they can just concentrate on their child and not on trying to get food, toiletries or transport! We will keep pushing for change.
#sophieslegacy
@Sophieslegacy10
Sophie’s legacy has made such a difference to the lives of children at QA. They practically support parents and young people above and beyond what would have been thought possible. They are an amazing team. Every paeds dept should have Sophie’s legacy on their team
So lovely meeting you. Your story readonates so much as your thoughts on 7 day a week service is exactly what Sophie wanted. Your voices are so powerful and should be listened to. Thank you so much for sharing your views, such a brilliant video.
Please come and support us at our first charity ball in September. Being held at The Ageas Hilton. Please message me if you'd like more information. We have brilliant entertainment and an incredible auction with money can't buy prizes.
#sophieslegacy
@anna_annabav
@KerrElliott
As a parent whose daughter died aged 10 I think this is so important to be discussing. We aren't great as a society talking about death especially when it comes to children. Parents and children need honesty so it can help them in making decisions.
We've been working with
@minifirstaiduk
to spread awareness of childhood cancer. Spreading awareness about childhood cancer is so important to us. Making sure parents know to look out for the signs and symptoms is essential. Take a look...
For
#WorldCancerDay
we're asking for more emphasis to be placed on children and young people. It is still the NUMBER ONE killer of children by disease in the UK. 12 children everyday will be diagnosed with cancer. It has to start changing.
@SteveBarclay
I gave blood today and wanted to encourage as many of you who can give blood to do so. Sophie needed lots of blood and platelet transfusions throughout her journey and without people donating blood/platelets she wouldn't have been able to get through her treatment. It saves lives
Yes we so do. An hour meeting with
@mariacaulfield
and
@cj_dinenage
I really hope change happens for the thousands of children who are diagnosed with this evil disease. It's time for change, they've waited decades for the priority to be children.
Following my recent debate on Childhood Cancer Outcomes, today
@Sophieslegacy10
& I met with
@DHSCgovuk
Health Minister
@mariacaulfield
to push for a Childhood Cancer Mission to be part of the Government’s 10-year Cancer Plan. We want a revolution for children’s cancer care.
Thank you to Caroline for raising this question in PMQ today. We are asking the government to do more and change the outcomes for so many children. They deserve so much more than they currently get.
#CCAM
#childhoodcancer
#childhoodcancerawareness
Happy Halloween!! 🎃 There will be some serious crafting happening on Kingfisher today!
A big thank you to Tesco on Portland and Morrisons in Bridport for donating the pumpkins and some additional goodies, and to
@Sophieslegacy10
for organising and donating the craft packs.
Only 10 days away until Sophie's 10k. You can walk, run, cycle, swim, break it up by doing 1k everyday for 10 days. You don't need sponsorship you just need to order the medal via this is the medal Sophie designed before she died.
If you're local to Coventry this art in the park project is amazing. Sophie's art work is there. Thank you to Ben's parents for all they've done to showcase all the inspiring children.
Meet Sophie.
"Sophie discovered her artist skills during her treatment. Sophie painted ceramics and raised £6000 to buy toys and activities for children in hospital"
@Sophieslegacy10
You can see Sophie's artwork on display
@CentreRussells
until Sunday 2nd October
#CCAM
Sophie's 10k is a back. This year it is a Halloween theme one. Sophie designed the medal just before she died. You can run, walk, cycle, swim etc. 10k your way. Find our more on
#sophieslegacy
#running
#10K
#10kchallenge
@sajidjavid
@cj_dinenage
I would love to meet you again especially to discuss the many factual errors in the response read by Maria Caulfield yesterday. Please can you allow our children's voices to be heard. Actions speak louder than words.
@Ruthsmaw
@itsgood2give
That's brilliant, we also want every single parent fed no matter what us wrong with your child. So many sad stories on this thread of parents going hungry. It is so wrong.
It was a great interview on
@GBNEWS
today. This was a snippet of it.
We are asking the government to do more.
I don't know how much more we have to do to get people to listen and implement the changes we've asked for.
@cj_dinenage
@willquince
@Helen_Whately
@RishiSunak
Please come and join us on the new task force for childrens play in healthcare working groups. From Jan I’m delighted to be starting the role of senior specialist advisor 1 day a wk for 6mths to support this important work with
@starlight_uk
@NHSEngland
@nahpsofficial
&
#HPSET
Really shouldn't be this way. My husband received this beautiful print from our friend and it meant so much.
We also delivered 48 fathers day gifts to all the children's wards in Portsmouth hospital. Happy fathers day.
Would you like to take part in Sophie's 10k and receive this medal that Sophie designed shortly before she died? Then sign up by ordering your medal on we can post anywhere in the country. You can run, walk, cycle, swim etc. Only £15 to join in.
Thankyou so much to
@Sophieslegacy10
for coming to our
#patientexperiencegroup
@PHU_NHS
You inspired us all so Thankyou! Look forward to what more we might be able to do to improve experiences for our patients, parents and families! 👏🏻😀