WOKINGHAM babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions will benefit from a grant donated by the town’s Tesco Superstore.
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service was one of three local charities to receive a total of £3,000 from the Stronger Starts scheme.
The hospice was awarded £1,500 to continue its free specialist physiotherapy service to Wokingham children in their own homes.
Another establishment to receive funding was the First Days charity, which will use its £1,000 to continue supporting local families who are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
The third good cause to be awarded funds was ARC, which received £500 towards providing youth counselling in Wokingham.
Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme supports many community projects and good causes in Wokingham, giving away thousands of pounds each year.
Lorraine Canning, Trusts and Legacies Fundraiser at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, said: “We are very grateful to the support from Tesco’s Community Grants scheme.
“Our specialist paediatric physiotherapist offers physiotherapy in the home to those children recovering from surgery, whose condition has deteriorated suddenly or who are receiving end-of-life care.
“The physiotherapist helps families create a home physiotherapy plan and ensure they have the appropriate equipment.
“She also offers training to parents on massage techniques to help with muscle relaxation and pain management.
“We are currently supporting 208 children and their families, and our mission is to reach out to every child and family who needs us.
“We know that there are an estimated 1,371 children with life-limiting conditions in Berkshire and, sadly, this is likely to increase by at least another 11% by 2030.”
Wokingham shoppers can support local organisations like Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
Louise Jedras, community champion at Tesco’s Wokingham Superstore, said: “The work undertaken by charities such as Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is truly incredible.
“Everyone who works there does an amazing job, and we’re thrilled to be able to give them this grant to help towards them carrying on their services into 2026 and beyond.”
For information about Stronger Starts, visit: tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
