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Shine winter 2026

In this edition, parents Parth and Swati share the difference Shooting Star's support has made to them and their daughter Naina, while we explore how our teams are sharing their expertise and innovation with the wider community and across the world. You'll also find many ways you can get involved and support us!

Staff spotlight

Dr Hannah Linford (pictured left) is Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care and Sinead Summers (pictured right) is Perinatal Clinical Nurse at Shooting Star. They work together in our Specialist Paediatric Palliative Care team (SPACE), supporting babies with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

“A key part of our work is building relationships with perinatal and neonatal teams across the region. Through attending fetal medicine meetings and neonatal ward rounds, we are often able to meet families from the point of diagnosis. This gives us the opportunity to offer support early, helping families navigate what can be an incredibly challenging and uncertain time.

“Every family’s journey is unique, but our aim is always the same: to ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make the choices that are right for them. Whether that involves symptom management, advance care planning, end-of-life care, or simply being there to listen, we work alongside families and the professionals caring for them to provide compassionate, personalised support.

“While much of our work takes place in hospitals, we are passionate about helping families access the full range of support available through the hospice, including care at home or in the hospice itself when possible. At a time when so much can feel out of their control, we strive to give families choice, comfort and the reassurance that they are not facing their journey alone.”

Latest news

Thank you for 'pooling' together!

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support of our amazing community of supporters, we’re able to modernise our hydrotherapy pool at Shooting Star House!

International recognition

We believe the best care comes from sharing knowledge, building connections and learning from one another. That’s why we’re always delighted to welcome professionals from across the world who want to learn more about our services.

Naina's story

Swati and Parth are devoted parents to 19-month-old Naina, a little girl who loves music, movement and being part of the action. But her first year of life was shaped not by typical newborn milestones, but by pain, uncertainty and exhaustion, as her parents struggled to understand what was wrong and how best to help her.

Features

Sharing expertise

The ripple effects of a child’s death reach far beyond the family home, touching schools, workplaces and wider communities. Drawing on feedback from bereaved families, Shooting Star’s psychosocial team is sharing its specialist expertise to help the people and organisations supporting grieving families.

The Knit Before Christmas is back

We’re excited to be running Knit Before Christmas again this year, and we’re on the lookout for events to sell the wool-derful creations our team of knitters make! From school fairs to craft stalls, let us know about your festive events and we can provide you with some knitted and crocheted novelties to sell, spread some seasonal cheer and raise vital funds for us.

Looking ahead

Plant the seeds of tomorrow with a gift in your will

Pickup a free packet of seeds and explore the lasting impact a gift in your will could make. Until 28 September, visit our shops to pick up a free packet of Cosmos seeds, or receive a pack when you request our Gifts in wills brochure via the form below.

Warehouse sale

Looking to refresh your wardrobe, pick up a bargain or find something to keep the children entertained without breaking the bank? Join us at our Warehouse sale on Saturday 26 September, where you’ll find a fantastic range of pre-loved clothing, toys, homeware and more at great prices. 
We also have eight (soon to be nine) shops across Surrey and London – so plenty of opportunities to pick up a bargain!

Feeling lucky?

For just £1 a week you can play the Tuckwell Chase Lottery for a chance of winning up to £1,000 – not to mention 100 other prizes! Either way, by taking part,
Shooting Star always wins!  

Looking for your next challenge?

Why not get involved in one of our 2027 fundraising events. 

Take on the London Winter Walk or push yourself at the popular London Landmarks Half Marathon. Alternatively, test your endurance at the Surrey Half Marathon! If you’re looking for a new personal goal these events are a great way to stay active while making a difference.