Donate now to help take the fear away
Right now, a seriously ill child is facing a frightening hospital experience. Your donation can help them feel calmer, braver and safer through the power of therapeutic play.
Caroline's story
When Caroline was eight, she suffered a stroke that left her unable to use the right side of her body. She spent six months in hospital, relearning how to walk and write.
Before surgery, a health play specialist used Caroline's teddy bear to help ease her fears. Throughout her recovery, therapeutic play helped rebuild her confidence and gave her moments of childhood when she needed them most.
"Play really is that powerful - it eased my fears and was the antidote to my anxiety." - Caroline
Nearly three in four UK hospitals have no dedicated budget for therapeutic play, leaving thousands of seriously ill children without this vital support.
Caroline's message is simple: the support that helped her is only possible because people choose to donate.
Why your donation matters
Hospital can feel frightening and overwhelming for a child. Your gift helps Starlight bring therapeutic play to seriously ill children, helping them cope with difficult procedures, build confidence and experience moments of joy during treatment.
When hospitals can't fund this support, your donation helps make it possible. Every gift helps another child face hospital with comfort instead of fear.
Help more children feel safe in hospitals today. Please donate.