Why I love WellChild - by Emily Maitlis

Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis is a keen supporter of WellChild. Here she tells us why the charity is so close to her heart.

 

As an experienced news journalist BBC presenter Emily Maitlis is very used to reporting on stories about the tough side of life and on tales of heroism. But hearing the stories of the courageous children who WellChild supports brought a tear to Emily’s eye.

She has been inspired by hearing about the brave children and caring health professionals who form part of the WellChild family and wants to encourage people to help WellChild in any way they can.

Emily is a big supporter of WellChild’s work of care, support and research and she backs the charity’s aim to help as many seriously ill children and their families in the UK as it can.

“WellChild is a very special charity and I would encourage anyone to get involved with the work that they do,” said Emily.

She first became involved with WellChild as a presenter of the annual WellChild Awards which give a well deserved pat on the back to brave children and hard working health professionals. She was so impressed by the event in London that she came back and hosted it again the following year.

“For the last few years I have been really delighted to be involved with WellChild and I have hosted the annual WellChild Awards,” said Emily.

“I have been impressed by the enormous bravery and tenacity and courage of some of the children – it has been an inspiration. I have come away from there bowled over and so inspired.”

“I do a lot of awards and hosting events but the first year I came to the WellChild awards I was quite shocked by how moving it all was. It really did bring me close to tears – but in a good way!

“There is an awful lot of courage and bravery there. The kids have a good time and clearly flourish at the event. The whole atmosphere has none of the stuffiness of the traditional after dinner event.”

WellChild’s work includes medical research to find breakthroughs in children’s health, the Helping Hands scheme which puts volunteers to work improving sick children’s homes and of course the growing team of WellChild children’s nurses.

These nurses help to get long term seriously ill children out of hospital and allow them to be cared for at home with their parents where they belong. Emily is full of praise for the work the nurses do.

“I just think the work the WellChild nurses do has been invaluable,” she said. “With the individuals that I have seen, the children have made a real connection with the WellChild nurse. Having someone who can make that connection is so important.”

For Emily the spirit of WellChild is summed up by the awards.

“The people from WellChild fall over themselves to make sure the kids are at the heart of everything they do. The stories you hear show that those kids have made some amazing journeys.”

“It is great to see the family members as well – talking about how older brothers and sisters have helped sick children. It really is very heart-warming.”