A charity set up in memory of a brave six-year-old who asked her parents to continue to help poorly children after she was gone is marking its 20th birthday.
Sophie's Appeal, which was set up in memory of Sophie Barringer, from Eastleigh, who died of cancer in December 2004, will celebrate two decades of fundraising with a charity ball in the summer.
Set up by Sophie's parents Lin and Mike Barringer, the charity has an impressive list of achievements over the years, which have helped thousands of sick children and their families.
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Sophie's Place, a children's day assessment unit located within Northbrook Ward at Winchester Hospital, opened in 2007, accommodating acutely ill babies, children and young people who are referred by GPs, the Emergency Department, health visitors and community nurses. They can be monitored and treated there, freeing up beds on children's wards and helping up to 400 children a month.
Sophie's Den, a bespoke treatment / observation room, is also located on Northbrook Ward and £80,000 was donated to the Magic Wand Appeal to start renovations there.
Sophie's Rainbow Retreat, a caravan at Rockley Park in Poole, opened in March 2019 to mark Sophie's 21st birthday and provide a free holiday for families of children affected by cancer or life-limiting conditions.
Sophie's Surprises offers days out at zoos, theme parks and theatres, alongside 'beyond the moon' dream holidays.
The Piam Brown Ward benefits from pamper evenings and family photos as forever keepsakes are also offered.
£5,000 a year is donated to the Beads of Courage programme, with beads representing courage shown during treatment.
Multiple other donations have included money towards refurbishments at the Piam Brown Ward in Southampton, research into childhood cancers in Southampton and Wilms tumours in London.
Up next is a ball with the same theme as the charity's very first ball, Pink Tie and Tiaras. To be held on June 22 at the Utilita Bowl, it is the charity's first ball since the pandemic.
Trustee Holly Wright told the Daily Echo: "I hope this gives a good insight into what the charity is about and shows the huge support we have received over the years.
"We very much hope to be able to provide the same and more in 20 years time."
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