Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

29/10/2026

❤️ 🌈 After 16 months of waiting, hope returned.

In April 2026, five-year-old Lara received the news her family had been waiting for.
She received a new heart.

After 16 months living near Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, there was finally hope that their family could begin a new chapter.

Lara’s recovery took time and brought difficult moments, including complications along the way. Even after returning home, she needed to isolate because of the risks of infection and heart rejection.

But Jen was still there.

Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker Jen continued to support Lara and her family online every week. They drew, coloured, made things and chatted – helping Lara stay busy while she recovered.

The family eventually left Newcastle, taking with them memories of an incredibly difficult time, but also gratitude for the people who had been there throughout.

“Thank you so much Jen and thank you so much Rainbow Trust. You are all amazing.”
Lara’s story shows why support matters – not just during treatment, but through the long journey of recovery too.

💛 Help Rainbow Trust be there for more families when they need it most.

👉 https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/

28/10/2026

Budget offers some relief for families but not enough, the Spending Review must deliver for children’s social palliative care, says Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity

Speaking today about the Budget, Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:

“Measures to ease household costs, support working fathers and improve support for unpaid carers, announced in today’s Budget will offer welcome help to some families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. However, the benefits will not reach all families equally, particularly those with unavoidable high energy costs or whose caring responsibilities prevent them from working.

Read the full article on our website:

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with life-threatening or terminal illness.

28/10/2026

The 2000s - Take us back to the noughties!

Flip phones, MSN Messenger, low-rise jeans and your first iPod… remember when these were part of everyday life? 📱💻

What did you get up to in the 00s? After the founding of the charity in 1986, Rainbow Trust opened our Essex Care Team in 2001. Followed by Surrey in 2004, helping us be there for even more families caring for a seriously ill child.

By 2009, we had also begun offering one-to-one support to families with no close Rainbow Trust team nearby, another step towards reaching families wherever they were.

💬 What takes you straight back to the 2000s?

Your first mobile? A favourite night out? The song you had on repeat? Maybe you got married, started a family or began a new job.

We would love to hear your memories 👇

26/10/2026

How long has 'write a Will' been on your list? A year? Five?

This is the month to cross it off. Free, with expert estate planners , online, over the phone, or in person.

A simple Will is free, or a Will with trust comes at a discount.

Worth knowing: leave 10% or more of your estate to Rainbow Trust and you could help us to continue delivering the very best care and support to the seriously ill children and their families who depend on us, while cutting your inheritance tax rate from 40% to 36%.

Claim your free Will online or call 020 4525 3605 and quote Rainbow Trust.

25/10/2026

🌈🏃‍♀️ LONDON MARATHON PLACES AVAILABLE! 🏃‍♂️🌈

We’ve been lucky enough to secure additional places in the Saturday event at the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon - and we’d love YOU to be part of Team Rainbow Trust!

Take on an unforgettable challenge, make incredible memories and help us support seriously ill children and their families.

Ready to make every step count? 👟✨

APPLY NOW via our website.

Let’s do something amazing together! 🙌

24/10/2026

🌈 The 1990s – Who remembers the 90s?

Britpop, Tamagotchis, dial-up internet and Friends… the 90s gave us plenty to remember. 💿📺
And it was an important decade for Rainbow Trust too.

Following the founding of the charity in 1986, in 1990, our first care team was established in Southampton, followed by Greater Manchester in 1998. It meant we could reach more families and provide support where they needed it at home, in hospital and out in their communities.

Our services have grown a lot since then, but being there for the whole family remains at the heart of what we do.

💬 Now we want to hear your 90s memories.

What were you doing? What did you wear? And what was always playing on your CD player? 🎶

Tell us below 👇

23/10/2026

We know our Rainbow Trust supporters are full of brilliant ideas, and we would love to hear yours! What is the most creative thing you have ever done to raise money for charity?

A sponsored silence, a fancy-dress day, a cake sale that got a little competitive or perhaps something completely out of the ordinary?

Fundraising doesn't have to be a big challenge. Sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most fun, especially when you get friends, family or your local community involved.

And every pound raised helps Rainbow Trust provide practical and emotional support to families caring for a seriously ill child.

💬 We want to hear from you!

Share your ideas and tips in the comments. You might just inspire someone else's next fundraiser!

22/10/2026

What a year it's been for Team Rainbow Trust!

As 2026 draws to a close, we want to celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who have taken on sporting challenges to support Rainbow Trust this year. Let’s take a moment to look back and celebrate the incredible highlights.

From running events and cycling challenges to personal milestones, every mile covered, every fundraising target reached and every bit of determination has helped us continue supporting families caring for a seriously ill child.

Are you feeling inspired? Join Team Rainbow Trust in 2027, take on new challenges, smash your fundraising goals and help us blow these numbers out of the water next year!

Thank you for being part of it. We couldn’t do it without you. 🌈

21/10/2026

What is in Wendy’s Bag of Care?

Every day, Family Support Worker Wendy from the South West Team carries more than just the essentials. Her bag is filled with resources, activities and little things that can make a real difference when supporting families through incredibly difficult circumstances.

We are taking a look inside Wendy’s bag to discover some of the items she uses while supporting families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

From helping children express how they feel, to giving parents practical and emotional support, each item has a purpose.

Because sometimes, it’s the small things that help families feel supported, heard and less alone.

🌈 Take a look inside Wendy’s Bag of Care.

20/10/2026

With half term fast approaching, looking for something to keep the children entertained?

Why not order a free copy of Fun First? It is packed with puzzles, crafts, colouring and great (ish!) jokes to keep children busy and having fun.

From reading and doodling to crafting and sharing, there’s plenty to get stuck into.
And the best part? It is completely free!

🌈 Order your free copy today and add a little more fun to half term.