Together for Short Lives announced as Morrisons' new charity partner

Welcome news for ellenor today as a brand new partnership launches between supermarket giant, Morrisons and charity, Together for Short Lives that will benefit families caring for a seriously ill child from North Kent and Bexley.

Together for Short Lives is the only charity supporting the UK’s children’s hospices, including ellenor and families facing the heartbreak that their child will die young.

Together for Short Lives and Morrisons are set to raise vital funds for children’s hospices across the country, just like ellenor, as part of a flagship three-year-partnership launching 15 February 2022.

“We are delighted to be a part of this wonderful partnership. Our values align perfectly with Morrisons, as here at ellenor families are at the heart of everything we do."

Jemma Kemp, ellenor Supporter Engagement Officer

"We are proud to have a strong existing relationship with our local store and are excited to develop new ones with further stores in our community. It is such a unique opportunity for a local charity to directly benefit from a national partnership as significant as this. With Morrisons stores being directly involved with their local children’s hospice, they will see first-hand the difference their fundraising is making. This support will help us continue to be there for our children and their families. We are truly grateful to Together for Short Lives and Morrisons for making this happen” says ellenor Senior Supporter Engagement Officer, Jemma Kemp.

Morrisons will help us be there for families like Barry and Felicia, who has been supported by ellenor.

Luwan was just three years old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. Barry and his wife Felicia, a keyworker teacher, faced the emotional turmoil of Luwan’s illness along with the demands of his two young siblings and the restrictions brought about by Covid.

Following intensive chemotherapy at the Royal Marsden, Luwan was referred to ellenor where he also started Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions. Together with his family and a wide range of instruments ranging from a small ukulele to guitars and djeme drums they were able to have quality time through making music together, exploring the impact of their emotions and create precious moments.

Luwan is now in remission and currently alternates between the local hospital and Royal Marsden for routinely 3-month check-ups. These check-up visits provide the family with emotional stability and calm hearts knowing that the darkest times are certainly in the past.

Together for Short Lives CEO, Andy Fletcher says:

“Hearing the news that your child is seriously ill is devastating – families can be left feeling scared and alone. I can’t tell you what a difference this amazing new partnership will make for these families. Knowing that Morrisons colleagues up and down the country are on their side, means the absolute world.

The money raised through our partnership will give families access to vital care from local children’s hospices and help them to spend less time worrying and more time making memories together. It will also enable us to reach thousands more families caring for a seriously ill child who need support.”

Every Morrisons store is calling on local shoppers to join them for their special ‘Butterfly Bonanza’
between 14-27 February – a fabulous fortnight of fundraising activities to mark the launch of the partnership, as the charity’s famous butterfly flies up and down the country in support of seriously ill children.

Morrisons CEO, David Potts says:

“Together for Short Lives is an amazing charity which supports families through immensely difficult times, and hearing the very important stories from families who have received their support was incredibly moving for everyone at Morrisons. I'm really looking forward to our partnership with Together for Short Lives and helping to raise vital funds to support families with seriously ill children and the wonderful hospices that care for them."