Francis House Children's Hospice

20/08/2026

We are proud to announce 'Make a Will Month' is returning this September! 💙

During September you can have a simple Will written by Northwest solicitors partnering in the scheme who are providing their services and expertise without charge, asking instead for a donation to Francis House.

Wrigley Claydon Solicitors
O'Donnell Solicitors
AST Hampsons Solicitors Bury & Rochdale
Hargreaves Gilman Solicitors

For a suggested donation of £100 for an individual Will or £175 for a mirror Will for married couples or partners, this represents a substantial saving on the service! 🪙

Read more about Make a Will Month and don’t put off making a Will any longer:
https://www.francishouse.org.uk/make-september-the-month-to-create-your-wil

18/08/2026

👑 A birthday celebration fit for a princess! 🎉

Mariam, one of the young people who comes to Francis House for respite, recently celebrated her 17th birthday with us. Staff and friends dressed as princesses for the occasion and enjoyed an afternoon filled with dancing, bubbles and a lively game of pass the parcel! We hope you had the most magical birthday, Mariam 💖✨

We rely directly on your support to be able to put these celebrations on for our children, young adults and their families. Please help us to continue organising these events by donating today:

https://donate.francishouse.org.uk/?dontype=single

15/08/2026

🌟 Shoutout Saturday! 🌟

Emily and her cousin Sam spent the first week of their school holidays putting their entrepreneurial skills to work by washing cars around Heaton Moor. They then generously donated £50 of their earnings to Francis House Children’s Hospice!

Thank you both for your kindness, initiative and hard work - you're brilliant!

To donate or find out how you can get involved with fundraising for us, head over to our website: https://www.francishouse.org.uk/

13/08/2026

🦈 Dive into an unforgettable challenge for Francis House!

Join us at Blue Planet Aquarium on Sunday 11th October for a cage-free, close-up encounter with some of the ocean’s most thrilling predators - no previous diving experience required! 🌊

You’ll be sharing the water with majestic Nurse Sharks, graceful Zebra sharks, sleek Blacktip Reef Sharks, rare Brownbanded Bamboo Sharks, the unusual Blackchin Guitarfish, elegant Southern Stingrays, and a vibrant array of tropical fish.

Your £90 registration fee includes tuition, equipment and dive training, with a fundraising target of £500 to support the children, young people and families who rely on our support.

Ready to take the plunge? Sign up today:
https://www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/shark-dive/

11/08/2026

🌿 Thank you to Sarah from Capture & Calm Walks for organising a lovely lunchtime stroll for our fundraisers and children last week in Didsbury!

The route took us through plenty of Didsbury's calming green spaces, allowing everyone to take a moment to breathe, reset and notice nature's subtle beauty around them. We were even joined by some enthusiastic four-legged friends who loved being out and about!🐾

If you'd like to join our next walk in November and find out more about Sarah's personal ties to Francis House, then head to our latest news piece:
https://www.francishouse.org.uk/hospice-mums-wellbeing-walk-in-support-of-francis-house/

09/08/2026

🚶 Make September… STEPtember!

Challenge yourself to walk 10,000 steps a day throughout September while raising vital funds for our amazing children and families. Take part on your own, with friends or alongside your work colleagues. Every step will make a difference! 💚

👟 10,000 steps a day
📅 30 days
🎟️ Just £7 to enter

Are you ready to step up to the challenge? Sign up today: https://www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/steptember/

07/08/2026

🎪✨ Our Sensory Youth Club enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon with the brilliant The Flying Seagull Project!

From circus acts and sensory play to plenty of laughter and silliness, there was something for everyone to enjoy – some of our parents and staff even had a go on the tightrope (with very mixed results)! 🤹

A huge thank you to The Flying Seagull Project for creating such a joyful afternoon and so many lovely memories for our children and families. 🌈💛

05/08/2026

One man. One motorbike. One thousand miles. One day! 🏍️

Mark Towler completes marathon 1,000 mile motorbike ride in less than 24 hours to raise funds for Francis House Children's Hospice.

04/08/2026

Everyone at Francis House is deeply saddened by the news that comedian and much-loved entertainer Jimmy Cricket has died. Jimmy was a wonderful supporter of Francis House and for decades he gave his time, talent and generosity putting on laughter-filled tours to raise funds to help the children and families of Francis House. Our thoughts are with May and all the Mulgrew family.

We were saddened to hear of the death of much-loved Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket, a great family entertainer and long-standing supporter of Francis House.

04/08/2026

This Thursday (Aug 6th) join Capture & Calm Walks on a wellbeing lunchtime walk setting off from outside Francis House in Didsbury. Organised by Sarah, whose young family are supported by the hospice, this relaxing inclusive walk is in aid of Francis House. Find out more about Sarah's inspiration for the walk and how to take part.

The Step into Calm wellbeing walk takes place on Thursday, August 6, 2026 to raise funds for Francis House.