North East based Charity; Dragonfly Cancer Trust (formerly known as Josie’s Dragonfly) recently re-located to new premises at Mea House in Newcastle City Centre. The charity begins a new chapter in the city after spending six years in Hexham.
Dragonfly Cancer Trust was established in 2007 in memory of Josie Grove, who herself lost her battle with cancer. Josie wanted to create a legacy where young people could have their final wishes met. The charity has been facilitating special Dragonfly Dreams and providing cash gifts to young people to enable them to create lasting and precious memories. Some of the dreams the charity has helped organise include a marriage to a childhood sweetheart, afternoon tea and a funeral suit for a young 19-year-old who wanted to leave the world in style.
The charity recently hosted a drinks reception to launch their new brand and to celebrate their arrival in the city at Jacksons Law Firm’s Central Square office, Newcastle. Over 80 guests attended the event where they were welcomed by the staff and Trustees.
Jane Dennison, Director of Fundraising at Dragonfly Cancer Trust said, “We are incredibly excited to be in Newcastle, as the opportunities for more people to be involved with the charity will increase significantly. We are delighted to announce that we will be offering voluntary roles and opportunities for people to gain experience of working within a charity. We are encouraging people to contact the office and pop in for a coffee to talk about ways in which they feel they can support us.
Jane continued, it is imperative that the young people we support can be remembered, and often the things we are asked to do are very much associated with just that. The cash and support gives them a lifeline and a chance to forget for just a moment.”
John Bewick, Associate Solicitor Jacksons Law Firm said, “The move to Newcastle is fantastic news for Dragonfly Cancer Trust and will no doubt give them more opportunities to raise its profile and gain support from people living and working in the city centre. The charity sector is going through a rough time at the moment and the people involved are all working very hard to encourage financial assistance. I’m sure with the help of the generous people in Newcastle, and the passion of the Trustees, volunteers and employees, Dragonfly Cancer Trust will go from strength to strength in its new home”.
Dragonfly Cancer Trust works with 37 Hospitals across the U.K. supporting palliative children and young people with very limited time. The charity has helped almost 900 young people and is aiming to increase that number to 1000 by the end of 2018. It employs two full-time members of staff, seven Trustees who sit on their board and they are currently seeking additional Trustees to join them. It receives funding from the general public from donations and support at events, and applications to grants and trusts.
To find out how you can volunteer or support Dragonfly Cancer Trust visit www.dragonflycancertrust.org.
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