Eastwood IT firm is new partner of children’s cancer charity
An Eastwood based IT support and cyber security company has joined forces with a children’s cancer charity in a new partnership.
The award-winning firm Your IT Department has become a corporate partner of the Give A Duck Foundation, which provides special packs featuring a soft toy chemo duck to help prepare children for their cancer treatment.
Each chemo duck is fitted with medical lines and ports to mirror those of the child.
Through play therapy, children learn what to expect during their treatment, from an appointment with their consultant through to administering chemotherapy or taking blood samples.
The Give A Duck Foundation aims to provide the chemo duck packs to every specialist children’s cancer centre in the UK.
Your IT Department, based on Farrington Way, decided to support the charity after Sam Hewson, the company’s head of staff development, met its regional fundraiser, Stephanie McCawley, at Nottingham City Business Club.
Sam said: “This charity makes such an incredible difference to children going through cancer treatment.
"I love the idea of the ducks being given to children, as they help to make something frightening feel a little more manageable and even comforting.
“These ducks allow children to better understand their treatment while also bringing them a sense of excitement, especially when they get to choose a new outfit for their duck before appointments.
The addition of an activity book gives them a safe way to express their feelings during a difficult time.”
Stephanie McCawley has welcomed Your IT Department’s support, which will include a regular donation and other fundraising activity.
She said: “This valuable commitment will help us reach more children with chemo duck packs.
“Partnerships like this are vital for making hospital experiences feel a little less daunting for families across the UK.”
Sam added that she was impressed by the foundation’s support for each family.
She continued: It is such a thoughtful and heartwarming cause.
"The charity also looks after siblings, also providing them with their own cuddle duck so they feel included and supported too.”
More details about the Give A Duck Foundation are available online at giveaduck.org.uk