HISTORY OF THE APPEAL

The Pied Piper Appeal was founded in 1992 by Peter Hickman MBE. Its aim is simple: the relief of sick children in Gloucestershire by providing better care and improved facilities to assist a faster recovery. Over the last 14 years the charity has helped over 120,000 sick children in Gloucestershire. Over £2 million pounds has been raised, not only to get the new Children's Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital built, but also for other projects in the Cheltenham and Gloucester hospitals.

CHILDREN'S CENTRE

Thanks in part to the Pied Piper Appeal's pledge to raise at least £1.2 million for children in Gloucestershire, there is now a bright, modern, state of the art Children's Centre to replace the outdated buildings, cramped and unwelcoming conditions which were experienced by children, parents and staff in Gloucester for many years. As a result, 10,000 children and their parents will benefit from this year.

CURRENT PROJECTS

The Charity is currently fundraising for a few different projects. We aere fundraising to create a safe and stimulating outdoor play area for the Battledown Children’s Ward in Cheltenham General Hospital. We are also supporting the child and adolescent mental health serives around the County

THE CHALLENGE

Together we can help to make our Children's hospital facilities at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals happy and healing places to be.

THE REAL STORY IS ABOUT CHILDREN LIKE ZACKERY

Zackery has undergone more operations and spent more time in hospital then anyone would normally in their whole life. He was born with a hole in his heart and an enlarged kidney. To look at him today, you wouldn't guess, he is like any fun filled 3 year old, with lots of energy and a cheeky grin.

The first part of his life was full of uncertainty, however, and he spent a lot of time around hospital, including undergoing two major operations, one being open-heart surgery.

He was one of the first children to benefit from the new Children's Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, and the excellent care from staff, the new facilities and the child-friendly environment meant that the hospital experience was less traumatic for him and his parents.

Zackery is on the road to recovery now, and although he still has to visit the Children's Centre for frequent check-ups, the future does look positive.