The mum of a three-year-old, who lost her daughter in a battle against a rare childhood cancer, has vowed to keep her promise to help other poorly children.
Chelsea Knighton from Irthlingborough was only three when she died on August 9, 2009, and the youngster had one wish before she died - for her family to help other poorly children like her.
Heartbroken mum Emma Knighton and her cousin Michelle Tomkins from Wellingborough set up Chelsea’s Angels in February 2010.
To mark Chelsea's Angels' tenth anniversary, the charity founders had hoped to run a year-long fundraising campaign to continue their support for children living with cancer, and their families, but Covid-19 put their plans on hold.
Michelle said: "Last year we raised £34,000 but this year has been badly affected by the coronavirus. We've already lost over £12,000 compared to last year's fundraising by missed events and will be more with future events at risk. This in turn means we can't help many children fighting cancer, and could mean we have to close.
"We have come all this way and will not let Covid-19 destroy it.
"We have a new project where we are going to be sending out 'A Box Full of Happiness' to children until we can get back to fundraising as normal. The boxes will have crafts, books and toys for the children and some toiletries as well as a voucher for the family to use. We are hoping to theme them to suit the child.
"People can help us by donating brand new items, holding a fundraising event, having a donations box at their workplace or even just sharing our events on social media."
Working with clients referred by CLIC Sargent, Team Chelsea have so far supported 701 children and their families fulfilling their motto 'Creating smiles, making memories and offering support'.
The new Boxes of Happiness will be launched to mark the eleven year anniversary of Chelsea's death on August 9.
Emma added: "Chelsea went through hell and back and she didn't give up. Neither will we. I feel that Chelsea's Angels is all I have got left of her. It gives me a purpose."
To donate to Chelsea's Angels anniversary appeal click here, visit their Facebook page by clicking here .
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Emma, Shannon, Andy and Chelsea Knighton with Sam and Zach Knighton-Smith, Chelsea's cousin who also died from neuroblastoma
