UPDATE: |Boost for incredible charity helping the families of some of the sickest children in Greater Mancheser News

The Pride of Britain has given a grant to Emmie’s Kitchen which supports the families of children being cared for at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

A charity which supports families of poorly children staying in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital has received a grant from Pride of Britain. Emmie’s Kitchen, which offers a lifeline for parents and carers, is one of many local community groups across the UK who are celebrating after the Pride of Britain Fund announced the winners of grants totalling more than £100,000.

The money will be given to local good causes around the UK to mark the 25th year since The Pride of Britain Awards were founded by the Mirror. The Fund shortlisted from almost 2,000 applications, and local communities then voted to decide which projects in their area were most deserving of funding.Emmie’s Kitchen, which will receive £2,500 to support its work providing meals and support for parents and carers staying in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The group’s founder, Eve Naraynsingh, said: “Emmie’s Kitchen was set up after my daughter Emmie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, we spent lots of time in and out of hospital and recognised a real gap in the support available for parents and carers. Parents and carers have to stay in hospital with their poorly child, often sleeping on chairs/fold down beds for weeks: months at a time, access to quality food is often limited and very expensive.

“This is on top of trying to process a very poorly child and make life changing decisions for them. Emmie’s kitchen provides a hot nutritious meal for parents staying long term in RMCH every Friday night, as well as snack bags, toiletries and gifts.

“We also offer a monthly well-being session for parents and carers to take some much needed time out from the hospital environment. We recognise that the parents and carer play a vital role in the child’s treatment journey and ultimate recovery, the parent has to be well themselves to do this.

“Emmie continues to play a valuable role in the organisation as a regular Friday night volunteer and an expert advisor to the board and is integral any decision making relating to the charity.”

She said it was ‘wonderful’ to be recognised, and said the money will allow the group to continue their work.Michelle Linaker, Trustee of Pride of Britain Fund and Head of Studio Live at Reach, said: “The Pride of Britain Fund is empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things. “We gave the public the chance to nominate unsung heroes across the nation. “Now, 65 projects have the backing to give people hope in their area and we are so proud to have made that happen in this landmark 25th year of the Pride of Britain.”To help support ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities, people can donate to the Pride of Britain Fund here: https://www.prideofbritain.com/pride-of-britain-fund/