Improving the lives of terminally ill children across the UK
Rapid assistance to terminally ill children – one Kettering resident’s mission to improve lives for families coming to terms with heart-breaking diagnosis
React is rapid-response charity working with families across the UK, who are caring for a terminally ill child and struggling with the costs of basic, essential equipment. to improve the quality of life for terminally ill children living in financially disadvantaged households through the provision of essential equipment and aid. Conor O’Donnabhain, based in Kettering, is React’s Head of Fundraising:
“I joined React as an administrator straight from university around seven years ago, and I was determined to join a charity that makes a real difference to people in need. I happened to live close by the charity’s office and was deeply moved by their work. When I joined I was amazed that such a relatively small team could impact the lives of so many families living in the UK.
“We’re a small, tight-knit team working hard to turn around requests from families as quickly as possible, and raising funds to ensure we can keep helping those who need help most. Our family liaison officers work closely with both families and healthcare professionals and we aim to respond to all requests within a maximum 48-hour time frame – and even the very same day for the most urgent requests.
“I oversee the fundraising side of React’s work but our team is trained in all aspects of the charity’s work, so we’re all equipped to answer the phone effectively.
“Working for a charity like React is deeply rewarding. One aspect I’d really like to emphasise is just how wonderful, caring and inspiring all the parents we work with are. There can be nothing more devastating and heartbreaking than receiving the diagnosis that your child will not live to adulthood and, for many of our families, caring for their child is a full-time job in itself.
“Despite the unimaginable challenges React families face, they all want to provide the most enriched and fulfilling life possible for their children and show extraordinary strength to keep going each day. The carer-parents I’ve worked with are genuinely some of the loveliest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, and I am so happy to be able to make their lives that bit little easier.
“Bereavement is also part of the job – React provides end of life care, such as memorial headstones, for families whose child has sadly passed away and we are as sensitive and sympathetic as possible. Despite the sadness and the ultimate ending by job brings, I love the charity and the work that it does and if anyone out there would like to get involved or know more, I’d love to hear from you.”