About
The Donna Louise Children's Hospice was registered as a charity in 1999. They were set up to respond to the need for a children's hospice service for Staffordshire and Cheshire. The charity takes its name from a young local girl, Donna Louise Hackney, who sadly died from a life limiting condition at the age of 16. Her family wanted to help other children and families in a similar situation and so began fundraising in her name. As the fundraising for a purpose built hospice continued, a community nursing team was established in 2002 to provide care for children and their families in their own homes. By August 2003, the Hospice building was finished and fully-equipped and they opened their doors to families on August 4th 2003.
One in a Million (2018)
Robbie Williams has partnered with The Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust to help launch the charity's #ONEINAMILLION fundraising appeal. The campaign encourages supporters to make a 'pinky promise' to do a 'one in a million' thing this year to raise funds for the charity. Both Robbie and his best mate Jonathan Wilkes have been actively involved with the hospice for years and have given their support for the new campaign. The charities goal is to raise a million. By having made a #PinkyPromise to do something this year to raise money for the charity. Be it big, small, slightly bonkers, anything you can promise to do to help them reach their goal.
Doing It for the Kids (2015)
Robbie Williams made a surprise appearance at an auction selling some of his memorabilia for charity. The singer took control of the gavel as 150 items, including handwritten lyrics and bespoke suits, went under the hammer for a Staffordshire hospice. The sale raised GBP 120,000, with a highest bid of GBP 25,000 for handwritten lyrics to the 2013 track Go Gentle. Williams is a patron of the Donna Louise children's hospice in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent. The star chatted and joked with the audience, which included his wife Ayda Field and father Pete Conway. When he sold a set of handwritten lyrics to Kids for GBP 5,500, Williams told the auction room: "It's the popular song from last century... Kylie Minogue is very fit and still is." When asked if it was his first time as an auctioneer, Williams said: "I think so, but my memory is shocking."
RWFanFest (2014)
In January 2014 FedEx transported 70 valuable paintings, each depicting bestselling solo artist Robbie Williams, from Milan to Williams' home town of Stoke for a charity exhibition in aid of The Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust. The Trust, of which Williams is a patron, will benefit from charitable donations paid by visitors to the exhibition, which coincides with a series of events to celebrate Williams' 40th birthday. The works of art were on show at the Burslem School of Art. Melanie Williams, head of High Value Partnerships for the Hospice said, "We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting event celebrating our patron Robbie Williams' 40th Birthday. RWFanFest is a weekend of events and activities taking place in Robbie's hometown of Stoke-on-Trent and will be raising vital funds to support the Hospice in caring for children with shortened life expectancy and their families. We are delighted to be working with FedEx on a unique exhibition of original artworks created by a fan of the singer as a tribute to his life and music, and look forward to welcoming visitors to this unique event."
Fundraising video (2009)
Robbie Williams narrated a heartfelt video to support The Donna Louise Children's Hospice for life threatened children.
Donna Louise Trust (2002)
Robbie Williams has been a patron for the Donna Louise Trust since 2002. He said: "It's a privilege for me to be a patron of The Donna Louise Children's Hospice. It makes a real difference to these children, whose lives have been tragically limited and I will continue to lend my support."