The Big Give: Thank you

We are delighted to share that thanks to your support, our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign raised an incredible £19,276. including Gift Aid. This remarkable result will enable us to continue supporting children, young people and families living with Long Covid and overlapping illnesses. Thank you to everyone who donated, shared our campaign, and stood alongside the children and young people living with this less visible, and complex condition.

What Is the Big Give Christmas Challenge?

The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK's largest annual online match-funding campaign, running for seven days in early December.

It doubles donations for thousands of charities, allowing public contributions to have twice the impact. This was our second time taking part, and we were overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown by our community - together we almost doubled last years total!

Why We Needed Your Support - Thank You

According to the latest ONS data from April 2024, 111,816 children in England and Scotland, aged 3-17 have experienced Long Covid, many living with fluctuating symptoms and disability. In the US, the NIH RECOVER study estimates nearly six million children are affected - more than are diagnosed with asthma.

Yet children remain marginalised in policy discussions and are often missing from the wider COVID response. Gaps in care and understanding leave them without the support they need for a brighter future.

Myth-busters: debunking long COVID myths and misconceptions

We were pleased to support this myth busting project with WHO Europe.

As a patient-led charity with over 11,000 families in our network, we see the impact of these gaps every day. We also see the difference that informed support, understanding, and community can make.

How the Big Give Money Will Help

Support our volunteers

Our work is made possible by dedicated volunteers with lived experience who give their time and energy to help other families, guide service providers, and policy makers. This funding helps us provide the support and resources that they need to continue their vital work.

Create co-produced resources

We develop resources with and for young people, ensuring their voices shape the support available. This includes guides, toolkits, and information that families, schools, and healthcare professionals can use.

Maintain and develop our website

Our website is a central hub of information and support for families navigating Long Covid. Keeping it up to date, accessible, and helpful requires ongoing work and investment.

Develop a helpline

Direct support when families need it most. This funding brings us closer to offering a dedicated helpline where families can get timely, informed guidance.

Provide Opportunities for Young People

Fund youth-led projects Including initiatives like At Our Pace, our youth-led blog series, where young people share their lived experiences and create resources for others in similar situations.

What This Means

Every resource we create, every family we support, and every young person whose voice is heard exists because of donations like yours. The funds raised through the Big Give Christmas Challenge will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people living with Long Covid.

This support helps ensure young people can access the healthcare, education, and wellbeing support they deserve, and that no family faces Long Covid alone.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. Your generosity with matters more than we can express.

If you would like to continue supporting our work, you can make a donation at any time via our website.

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