Deeside based telecoms company has provided a vital boost, funding essential equipment for a children’s hospice.

Directors from iData attended Claire House Hospice’s open day on Monday this week (September, 19th, 2011) where they handed over £2,000 to children’s hospice, Claire House which will fund an oxygen concentrator machine for one year. Over 50 ventilation-dependent children and young adults from across North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man attending the hospice will benefit.

Abi Smith, area fundraiser at Claire House said: “It means a huge amount to us to receive support from local businesses such as this from iData, without the oxygen concentrator machine we simply wouldn’t be able to help ventilated children. Each year we need to raise in excess of £2.5 million to maintain our present levels of service, with no guarantee of government funding this can be very difficult especially in today’s financial climate.
"Claire House has a 10-bedroom facility but due to lack of funds we are currently only able to operate eight beds. With extra funds from our shops, community, local business and the Claire House lottery which was recently launched we hope to be in a position of full capacity so we can offer our support to more families.”

iData directors James Wilson and Chris Quayle were given a guided tour of the facilities to see first-hand where the donation will be used.

James Wilson iData director, said: “We are delighted that iData is able to help such a great cause, when you visit the charity and see the rooms where the children and families stay it really does bring home what a great job all the staff do. I’ve found it all very emotional if I’m honest.”

“I’m really keen to see what else we can do to help Claire House and find ways in which we can raise further funds for them.”

About Claire House:

Claire House is a 10-bed hospice for children and young people with life limiting, life threatening conditions from across Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man. Located in Bebington on the Wirral, Claire House is a bright, vibrant place of hope. In addition to caring for babies, children and young adults, it also provides bereavement and other support for the whole family. An excess of £2.5 million is required to fund Claire House’s running costs each year.