In the latest of these popular series of features we spoke to The Charlie and Carter Foundation
Why was the charity formed?
The charity was formed in November 2013 when little Charlie Cookson lost his battle against his life limiting condition at the young age of 2½ years. His parents Sarah & Chris Cookson had struggled both mentally, emotionally, and financially whilst they cared around the clock for their sick child. They knew that there was no financial support for parents in this situation, where parents have had to leave work or reduce their working hours to provide around the clock care for their child who has been diagnosed with a life limiting condition.
Their mission was to provide this support and directly pay their mortgage, gas, electric and provide food vouchers to allow them to spend quality time with their sick child, ensuring the time they have left with them is as stress free as possible. Sadly, the charity is unable to cure their child, but it can take away that heavy cloud of financial burden which has escalated due to their child needing their parents 24/7 to stay alive.
For five years Sarah & Chris dedicated their lives to their unique charity, financially supporting parents at the most devastating time of their lives. Then, The Charlie Cookson Foundation came into a new chapter after the birth of Charlie’s baby brother Carter John Cookson. To the never-ending heartbreak of Charlie & Carter’s parents, Sarah & Chris, their dream of having a family of their own was shattered once again.
Carter suffered what only could be described as a catastrophic event in the early hours of being born which led to him needing a heart transplant. He fought for 25 days, then he became too weak and sadly did not receive his gift of life. From this moment after the loss of Carter, The Charlie & Carter Foundation was born, now reaching out to families who have children needing their gift of life and raising awareness of the importance of organ donation.
These two special angels were here for a reason, to save so many lives and support many inspirational parents in their hours of need.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
We have an exciting calendar of events this year. In April we are hosting a networking afternoon tea, Trek for Charlie and Carter, and of course we have a team of runners taking part in the Great North Run in September. Alongside this we are part of Your Charity Lottery where you could be in with the chance of winning £1,000 each week.
What have been your proudest moments so far?
There have been many proud moments over the past 10 years, both Sarah and Chris receiving their MBE’s in 2022 and 2023, which was an experience they will both never forget. They had an overwhelming feeling of their boys being by their sides when they were awarded their medals by The King and Princess Anne.
The ‘frequent proud moments’ are every time a phone call is made to our CCF Families letting them know that they are going to be financially supported. The relief and emotion both the parents, and us as a team, experience will never be taken for granted, the Foundation really does change lives.
What are you currently working on?
Our aim is to continuously provide financial support to the parents who care 24/7 for their sick child who is suffering a life limiting condition. Striving to provide not just financial support when their child is with them, but also bereavement financial support when they sadly can’t fight anymore.
To do this our fundraising diary is full of exciting events and challenges.
We are celebrating Charlie’s birthday in April and are encouraging business, schools, and groups to Wear Blue for Charlie and Carter in memory of the boys. Simply pick a date in April and ask staff to wear blue for a donation to the charity. You don’t have to do a lot to make a difference!
We also have the Charlie and Carter Shop in South Shields, where we take all your very kind, pre-loved donations and find someone else to love them again for a small charge. Come and visit us and grab a bargain or have a clear out and donate any unwanted clothes, toys or bric-a-brac.
Our Charlie & Carter Market stall is run by the boys’ Nana and her amazing team of volunteers. The market is around every Friday in the South Shields Market Place, 9am-2pm and is always packed with great bargains.
What does the future hold?
The future is full and bright for The Charlie & Carter Foundation, after celebrating 10 years of doing the work we do, we will continue to push their charity forward in memory of two very special brothers and to support many families who are in need of their financial support, whilst raising our platform to reach out to more parents who are struggling.
How do you get involved?
There are so many ways to get involved and if you are interested in supporting The Charlie and Carter Foundation, we would urge you to get in touch. Visit our website for information about events or to make a donation, www.thecharlieandcarterfoundation.co.uk
If you would like to have a chat about how you or your business could get involved, please email Laura on laura@ccfemail.co.uk or call us on 0191 466 1428.