Find out more about Rainbow Trust's Trustees and Patrons
Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL, Presenter
"Rainbow Trust is special. Not only does it provide loving care for terminally ill children, but it also cares for their families. Seeing someone you love fade away is the hardest thing to bear, and when that person dies the pain is, quite simply, intolerable. By sharing the burden, Rainbow provides priceless help to many families, allowing them to make the most of shared time which is so precious when it is known to be of limited duration. Having spoken to families who have benefited from the help of Rainbow Trust, I know just how valued is their care, compassion and love. A rainbow has always been a symbol of hope and something special; so too is Rainbow Trust."
John Scott, TV presenter
"In these days of doom and gloom and bad news, how heart-warming it is to hear about the fabulous Rainbow Trust. This group of determined and dedicated people strive to bring joy, warmth, laughter and support to families who need that extra bit of help; be it practical advice, respite care, a shoulder to cry on, a hug or more importantly an understanding smile. It is a great honour and very humbling for me to be a friend and patron of this worthy cause. It’s organisations like Rainbow Trust who make this world a better place."
Trish Halpin, Editor of Marie Claire
"Like most people I support a number of charities, but Rainbow Trust is the first one I’ve ever become hands on with. Why? Because the work they do supporting families with sick children is simply immeasurable. As a mother of twins, I am very lucky never to have had to call on Rainbow’s services, but there are plenty of families like mine that have. And sadly there even more families that Rainbow could help, so every donation really does count."
Linford Christie OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist
"I’ve been involved with Rainbow Trust for a number of years now and the hard work and dedication of its care staff always impresses and amazes me.
I once heard it said by a mother whose daughter was very ill that Rainbow Trust is like the best friend that you wish you never had. It’s a friend that you would never seek out but you’re certainly glad when you’re there when you discover your child is very ill. I can’t think of a more accurate description than that. We never want our children to be ill, let alone have a life threatening or terminal illness. The battle that these families face can be heartbreaking but their bravery is inspiring.
I’ve seen the Rainbow magic at work, helping families whose lives have been ripped apart and very slowly, the charity can help a family get back on its feet and gives them the strength to carry on – I’m very proud to be involved.”
Austin Healey, Rugby player and TV presenter
“I firmly believe that the work Rainbow Trust does with families is of tremendous value. As a father to four beautiful daughters, I know that seeing your child suffer is one of the hardest things to bear. I think you’d agree that Rainbow Trust is a very special organisation deserving of all the support that we can give it.”
Sue Cook, Writer and Broadcaster
"I became involved with Rainbow Trust back in the early nineties while I was co-presenting the BBC's annual Children in Need Appeal. Rainbow Trust had received a grant from the Charity and the film we made to show how the money was being spent was a real eye-opener for me. I'd never before really thought about what it must be like for the family of a child diagnosed with a life threatening illness, nor how much support that family would need in those circumstances - both emotional and practical. Rainbow Trust provides both kinds of support in spades. Over the last thirteen years I've been privileged to meet so many truly inspirational people - the staff at Rainbow and the families they are on hand to help. I'm so proud to be counted among its patrons."
Gillian Wright, Actress
"I've talked and laughed with a number of families supported by Rainbow Trust at a number of their charity evernts of the years. I've been struck by their staff's passion, understanding, thoughtfulness, commitment and their ability to care for families who have a child with a terminal illness. I wanted to know more and was privileged to make a 'surprise' visit to a family who were Eastenders fans too! I saw first hand the ramifications of dealing with a seriously ill child. It's difficult to imagine what pain is suffered behind closed doors, what courage and strength has to be summoned. The family toldme their story. I understood how their different needs were met by the Rainbow Trust, how a difficult journey was made lighter by this very special charity."
"Rainbow Trust gives families a shoulder and a listening ear. They can fetch the milk, walk the dog, take the healthy sibling to school, give the overstretched parents a break; they can play, advise, support. They put an arm around the family and keeps them together. It is the quiet, sensitive, seemingly invisible work behind closed doors that Rainbow Trust undertakes, that keeps me humbled and in awe."
