Sophie was diagnosed with cancer in September 2020 and passed away in September 2021 aged ten. Sophie knew she was dying and set out writing a bucket list of things she wanted changing in her memory.
Two of the things she wanted changed are improvements to food for children in hospital and for parents to be fed when staying with their child. Sophie's Legacy was set up to support families in hospital and complete Sophie's bucket list for her.
Charlotte Fairall, co-founder of Sophie’s Legacy, announced the news via LinkedIn, she said: “I have been so excited to share this incredible news with you all. We've been working with the very top of the NHS since Sophie died 18 months ago. They have really got on board with her wishes and have been championing the change that is clearly needed.”
Some money from the NHS has been allocated to the nine hospitals who all put in bids to provide food for parents staying overnight. Each hospital is offering slightly different things from food vouchers, food from the menu on the ward to microwave meals and snacks.
The trial lasts eight weeks, although it is hoped each hospital continues this for longer. Feedback is being gathered and it will all be collated at the end to provide some interesting findings.
Charlotte added: “I spoke with Manchester hospital team yesterday and they shared that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. They are looking at ways to expand what they are offering which is just fantastic news.
“When Sophie said she wanted every single parent in all the hospitals in the country to be fed I thought I had a huge task on my hands. To have achieved what we have in a relatively short period of time is quite incredible. Parents haven't been fed in hospital for many decades - in fact I'm not sure if they have ever been fed across the country.”
Charlotte will appear at the HCA Forum alongside Kate Pye, deputy chief nurse of England, to discuss nurses- a vital link in the chain on meal delivery. To find out more about Sophie’s Legacy, visit here.