Making time for seriously ill children to play has never been needed more

Our Mission

We’re the UK children’s charity that helps children experience the joy of childhood. Thanks to our brilliant supporters, we use the power of play to improve children’s experience of treatment in hospital. We provide equipment for healthcare professionals, grant wishes and organise experiences that help families enjoy treasured time together. When serious illness shatters childhood, we’re here to help children and families discover how special life can still be.

About us

Donate to Starlight

Your donation will help Starlight support seriously ill children in the UK

One-off

Monthly

£30 £20 £10

Could help Starlight deliver a pantomime for children in hospital

Could help fund a seriously ill child’s place on a Starlight Escape

Could help towards filling a Starlight Distraction Box full of toys

£15 £10 £5

A month could help grant an unforgettable wish for a seriously ill child

A month could help us deliver Starlight Boost Boxes to more UK hospitals

A month could help fund vital research into play and distraction therapy

How you can help

However you want to support seriously ill children and their families, we’re here to make your life as easy as possible. Thinking about making a regular donation? Or taking on a fundraising challenge? Or including a gift in your will? Whatever you’ve got in mind, we’re here for you. We can only do what we do thanks to people like you.

Get involved

The Starlight Boost Boxes are fantastic for children visiting our unit. During the recent pandemic, where most toys have been removed from the waiting areas, the individual items such as crayons and colouring books have been particularly useful to give out to patients to relieve boredom.

Providing play

How we help

For over 30 years, we’ve helped children and families find hope after a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Today, the support we offer has never been needed more; from Isolation Packs to safely provide items to distract and delight children in hospital to hosting virtual parties to entertain and keep children connected with others. It could be a bottle of bubbles or a life changing experience; but it all comes down to helping kids carry on being kids.