Member Article

Barratt employees ‘give back’ to Hampshire children’s charity

Two employees from Barratt Homes’ Southampton Division have been volunteering their time to Sophie’s Legacy in Hampshire to show their gratitude for the charity’s support for families of children in hospital.

The Fareham children’s charity was set up in memory of Sophie, a 10-year-old girl who lost her battle with cancer and, by providing support for families admitted to hospital with their child, is working to achieve a list of wishes Sophie made before she died.

It was when Barratt Sales Advisors, Tony and Amanda’s, own families were affected by the Strep A outbreak last year, that they were touched with the support that Sophie’s Legacy is offering, and the housebuilding workers were keen to give something back.

The duo spent the day putting together ‘parent packs’ on behalf of the organisation. Sent out to parents of children in hospital, the packs include several essential items they might need while they’re away from home.

Tony, who received support from Sophie’s Legacy at the end of 2022, said: “We were so worried when my daughter, Ayla, started showing symptoms of Strep A, especially as there were so many cases. We were worried it would get worse and were unsure how best to look after her. Thankfully the staff at Sophie’s Legacy were amazing and stepped in to help with support and advice. Volunteering today is the least we can do.”

Amanda added: “My nephew, Brodie, was also affected by Strep A at the same time as Ayla, and it was a very difficult time for my family. Having charities, like Sophie’s Legacy, offering advice and practical support where needed, is a lifeline, and being able to help out today has been a real pleasure.”

Charlotte Fairall, Founder of Sophie’s Legacy, said: “Having Tony and Amanda in the office today, has been lovely!

“Often families arrive in hospital in an emergency, and don’t have anything with them for staying overnight with their child. The nurses will give them one of our parent packs, which contain essential items such as a toothbrush, deodorant, sanitary products, shampoo, conditioner, phone chargers, and a snack. This ensures that parents can focus on their poorly child without having to worry about sourcing these items while in hospital. They make such a difference, and I’m grateful for Tony and Amanda’s help putting them together for us today.”

Tammy Bishop, Barratt Homes Sales Advisor, Southampton Division, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Tony and Amanda’s families had the support they needed during a stressful time, and Sophie’s Legacy is doing great things for families of children in hospital.

“Barratt are committed to supporting the organisations which are looking after communities in which it is building, and I can see why Tony and Amanda chose to volunteer their time here.”

Sophie’s Legacy is working to achieve Sophie’s wishes of having a play specialist throughout the week in hospitals, improving food for children in hospital, ensuring parents get fed while their children are in hospital, for GPs, nurses, and health professionals to be trained in childhood cancer, and to increase the funds in childhood cancer research.

Barratt Homes is building new homes across the region. It is committed to supporting local causes, and its employees are all entitled to two days per year to take as volunteering days.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .