International Children's Palliative Care Network - e-bulletin - March 2015

Introducing Lucy, ICPCN's first Youth Ambassador Lucy Watts has recently been appointed as ICPCN's very first Youth Ambassador   "My biggest fear in life is that I won't have made a difference, that my life won't mean anything. I hope I am making a difference with what I am doing."  Lucy Watts. ICPCN is delighted to announce the appointment of Lucy Watts as our very first Youth Ambassador. Lucy, a 21 year old from the UK who, despite being disabled and living with a chronic, life-limiting illness, has already made an enormous impact on the world through her writing and speaking activities.  Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and  intestinal failure, Lucy’s condition confines her to bed most of the time. Lucy has a long list of achievements behind her name and is a passionate advocate for a number of charities. We are thrilled that she will be speaking out for children's palliative care through ICPCN. Click here to read Lucy's story and follow her via her blog and social media sites.  Run, Richard, run...  TV News Correspondent, Richard Newton, has committed to run the London Marathon to raise funds for ICPCN    Richard Newton, a specialist correspondent for the SABC TV News in South Africa will be running the London Marathon in May this year in support of ICPCN. Richard’s connection with children’s palliative care began in 2002 when he covered a story about Sunflower House Children’s Hospice in Bloemfontein and met the founder and then director, Joan Marston -  now ICPCN's Chief Executive. Explaining why he is prepared to run a marathon for us, Richard said: “My family and I are proud to support the ICPCN and the amazing work it does. When asked if I would be prepared to run the London Marathon to raise funds I was more than willing. Compared to the everyday challenges, ups and downs and dealing with pain that the kids, the dedicated staff and families go through, running a marathon seemed like the least I could do!”  Read more. Please consider contributing to ICPCN by sponsoring Richard via the Virgin Giving website. Every small amount adds up and allows us to continue supporting people around the world through our training, research, advocacy and networking.