Communities across Hull are set to benefit from a £36,750 boost through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal’s ‘Big Charity Giveaway’, bringing much-needed support to some of the city’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Four local charities – Hull Churches Home from Hospital, Hull Women’s Aid, Pelican Park Community Trust, and the Send a Child to Hucklow Fund – have secured funding to enhance and extend the vital services they already provide across the city.
Collectively, these charities support children and young people following a cancer diagnosis within their family, provide safe refuge and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse, deliver affordable and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities, and offer residential breaks for groups of disadvantaged pupils.
The funding will support a range of targeted initiatives, including a project delivering emotional support for children and young people whose parent has cancer; programmes designed to empower young survivors of abuse and strengthen organisational resilience; family-focused sport sessions aimed at those facing financial hardship; and opportunities for disadvantaged children to experience much needed-holidays.
At its core, this investment is about strengthening communities and supporting individuals – ensuring those facing disadvantage, ill health, isolation or risk can access the help they need to live safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. For many, these services provide a crucial lifeline, offering practical support, stability and reassurance during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Nicky Andrews, CEO Hull churches home from hospital, said: “We are incredibly thankful for this funding, which will help us continue supporting families from the moment they receive an end-of-life diagnosis. Our Families Together Service is about being there – listening, supporting and caring – so that families can focus on what matters most, knowing they are not alone.”
The £36,750 awarded in Hull forms part of a wider programme launched on 8th January by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, inviting charities across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City Region to apply for grants of up to £15,000. The initiative was designed to invest in grassroots organisations making a tangible difference within their communities.
This programme continues the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, whose determination and compassion transformed countless lives. Today, that same spirit drives the Appeal’s ongoing commitment to investing in communities and supporting people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Demand for the ‘Big Charity Giveaway’ highlights just how critical this kind of investment is. More than 300 organisations applied, requesting over £3 million in funding – underlining both the scale of need and the vital role charities play.
In response, the Appeal increased the total funding pot by more than 10%, from £250,000 to £297,000, enabling even more projects to go ahead.
All successful applicants have now been notified, and the Appeal looks forward to working closely with each charity to bring these projects to life and maximise their impact across Hull.
This investment is made possible thanks to the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year. Every mile run helps channel funding back into communities, supporting charities to continue their essential work and ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s Husband and Trustee of The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, commented: “This investment is about backing charities making a real difference in communities every day. We see first-hand how vital their work is, and we’re proud to support them to reach more people and deliver help where it’s needed most.
“The response to the Big Charity Giveaway was truly overwhelming, with more than 300 organisations applying. That level of demand speaks volumes about both the strength of the sector and the growing challenges many communities are facing. It’s why we took the decision to increase the fund from £250,000 to £297,000 – so we could extend our support even further.
“Every organisation that applied should be proud of the work they do, and while we can’t support everyone this time, we remain committed to helping as many charities as possible.
“None of this would be achievable without the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year. Their efforts enable us to give back, and we’re hugely grateful for the role they play in supporting communities across the region.”
David Ogden, Treasurer of The Send a Child to Hucklow Fund, said: “The Send a Child to Hucklow Fund is delighted to receive a grant from the Big Charity Giveaway, helping disadvantaged children enjoy a holiday in the Derbyshire countryside at the Nightingale Centre in Great Hucklow.
“We’ve provided holidays for over 60 years, and the need remains as great as ever – despite fundraising becoming increasingly challenging as people struggle to make ends meet.”