CHAS

CHAS is an organisation that St Andrews Rotary has supported for many years.

It is hoped to co-operate with CHAS on a major fundraiser in April.

Guest Speaker was Lyndsay Stobie, Development Manager for Children’s Hospices
across Scotland (CHAS) who described the vital new developments they are
planning to support families whose children have terminal illnesses.
Lyndsay reminded members that the association between CHAS and the Rotary
Club of St Andrews goes back to 1995 when the club gave its first donation to
support the build of Rachel House – the first hospice in Scotland specifically for
children and their families. Thirty years on and the number of children who need
CHAS care has increased by 40%, largely because technology is helping more
children with terminal illnesses to live longer. As a result, CHAS is seeking £20million
to extend and redevelop Rachel House, to renew Robin House and to reimagine the
type of end-of-life care they provide across Scotland for these children and their
families. So far, they have used £8.12million of their own reserves and legacies and
have received a number of other generous donations and legacies – each with a
heartwarming story attached. CHAS consulted children and their families to help
them plan the improvements. New features include bigger, ensuite bedrooms with
access to oxygen, family rooms where everyone can be together and a hydrotherapy
pool. There will also be sensory features throughout the building along with a garden
designed by children for children. The key aim is to give children and their families
the right experience and support not only when the child is diagnosed – CHAS also
help children to live well during their illness and to die well, and subsequently help
families through their bereavement. At the end of the presentation members were all
visibly moved by Lyndsay’s passion for her work and for the project. Henry Paul
thanked her for taking time to talk about it. He also announced that the St Andrews
Rotary Club is holding a fundraising event on 21 April to support the project – watch
this space for more news! If you would like more information about CHAS or to
donate to the project go to: https://www.chas.org.uk/