Tyler’s Trust provides packages of essential goods as well as items that spread joy, such as toys, to children with brain tumours or life threatening conditions, as well as their siblings and parents.

Tyler with the charity’s patron, Ferne Cotton

Tyler’s Trust (registered charity no. 1162827) is asking for donations of toys, games and kids products for use in the bespoke gift boxes the charity provides to kids affected by brain tumour diagnoses or other life threatening conditions.

When Tyler, aged 12, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, he spent months in Chichester and Southampton hospitals. Whilst in hospital, Tyler bought some items from the gift shop to cheer up some of other children undergoing treatment. They were thrilled, and the idea of Tyler’s Trust was born. The trust was formed in 2015 and covers Southampton, Worthing, Portsmouth and Chichester hospitals and, over time, has increased the services offered to local families.

­ These services are specifically aimed at children and families who spend time in these hospitals. They include:

• A gift box of presents for the ill child
• A large bag of presents for each sibling – Tyler’s Trust is one of only a few charities that recognise illness’ impact on siblings
• Home essentials kits – many families the charity supports have at least one parent that must give up work, meaning essential items become unaffordable
• Overnight parental bags containing essential toiletries – when Tyler was first admitted, his parents could not clean their teeth or wash
• Managing two parental rooms and supplying food and toiletries; hospitals no longer feed parents, and using the restaurant is costly
• Bespoke activity sessions – many children cannot attend standard provision
• Parental coffee mornings to provide much-needed emotional support

Tyler’s Trust also hosts an annual free family fun day for all the families it supports. They are treated to vintage car rides, family photographs, a pamper area, activity and craft sessions, a BBQ,  ice-creams and a chocolate fountain and much more.

The families are also able to meet one of the Tyler’s Trust patrons, Fearne Cotton, who attends and signs some of her books for visitors.

Tyler with Disney Princess actresses at one of the charity’s popular family fun days

One of the most significant issues the Trust faces as a small charity is fundraising and increasing the public awareness of its work, which is why it reached out to Toy World. Readers who would like to support the charity are encouraged to donate toys, games, puzzles and other kids products that will ultimately make their way to into a Tyler’s Trust gift box. These gift boxes provide much-needed joy to poorly kids as well as their brothers, sisters and parents at a very challenging time and are integral to the charity’s work.

Toy companies with goods to donate for this worthy cause are advised to email tylerstrust@gmail.com with information on what they are able to send. All donations are received with much gratitude from the charity, its patrons and trustees.

Alternatively, readers can make a financial donation here.