Ballymena family issues call to join ‘Jingle All The Way’ campaign

Established in 2017, Jingle All the Way is a community-driven fundraising campaign encouraging businesses, organisations, schools, clubs, churches and individuals across Northern Ireland to come together at Christmas and to take part in one of the charity’s fun-filled Jingle events.

Eight-year-old Sam McBride, who avails of the services at Northern Ireland Children Hospice, and his mum Elaine, have taken part in the campaign since it started, she says her family is ‘really excited’ about taking part again this year.

Elaine said: “Sam and our family have benefited from the Children’s Hospice services now for over five years.

“Sam has a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox Gastaut Syndrome which means medication will have little effect on seizures that are ever-changing and occur daily. Sam also has cerebral palsy and, although he can walk with support, his visual impairment causes problems.

“After endless hospital and therapy appointments, the Children’s Hospice has proved to be a sanctuary for our family and is a place where Sam can come and have fun, allowing us to relax and recharge.

“As a member of the Ballymena Hospice Support Group, we host Jingle events in our hometown of Ballymena to support the overall Jingle campaign. We are in the process of planning a Jingle virtual Craft Fair and a Concert, which we hope to share more information within the coming weeks.

“There’s so many ways that people can get involved in this year’s campaign.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about Jingle All the Way or who wants to register for one of the Jingle events, can visit nihospice.org/jingle