Shooting Star welcomes the community for another inspiring Open Day
Shooting Star House opened its doors on Friday 12 June for our annual Open Day, welcoming supporters, families and members of the local community for a behind-the-scenes look at our vital work.
The event offered visitors a chance to experience first-hand the care and support provided to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a warm and friendly atmosphere with tea, coffee, cakes and even candy floss, while friendly faces, including a visit from a much-loved PAT dog, Hastings, who helped make the day memorable for everyone!
One of the highlights of the day was two powerful memory-making demonstrations led by the Family Support team. These sessions gave visitors a deeper understanding of the hospice’s specialist bereavement services, an area of work that many attendees said they had not previously been aware of. The demonstrations showed how meaningful keepsakes and activities can help families create lasting memories during the most difficult times.
The Open Day also marked the launch of a new crowdfunding campaign to refurbish the hospice’s hydrotherapy pool. Visitors were able to see the current condition of the pool and learn about the vital role it plays in providing comfort, therapy and enjoyment for children in the hospice’s care. The campaign aimed to raise essential funds to ensure the facility can continue to support families for years to come.
Giverney McMullan, Senior Supporter Experience Manager comments: “It was so lovely to open our doors to Shooting Star House for our Open Day. Our Open Day gave visitors a chance to see first-hand the impact of their support. Whether through memory-making demonstrations led by our Family Support team, which highlighted our specialist bereavement services, or by showcasing the need for vital improvements such as our hydrotherapy pool, it was a fantastic opportunity to share the care and support we provide to families. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success, and to all those who came along. We had so many lovely conversations and look forward to welcoming people again in the future.”
Maisie Collins, Supporter Experience Coordinator, reflected on her first Open Day experience: “This year’s Open Day was my first with Shooting Star, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I really valued the opportunity to meet visitors, build connections, and hear about how they’ve supported us in the past and hope to in the future. What stood out most was the shared passion for Shooting Star – whether speaking with long-time supporters, volunteers or staff, everyone showed the same inspiring commitment to making a difference. I’m already looking forward to the next Open Day and sharing updates with both new and returning visitors on the important work we have done since we last came together.”
The Open Day highlighted not only the services provided by Shooting Star but also the strong sense of community that surrounds it. With engaging activities, meaningful demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about upcoming projects, the event left visitors inspired and eager to continue supporting our work.
With your help, we can continue to provide the vital care needed for families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. Please consider making a donation.
