What We Do

Helping children with life-limiting illness, React works to give these children comfort, dignity and where possible, greater independence. This past year, we have supplied a wide range of equipment from specialist wheelchairs, beds, baths, and mobility aids, to essential everyday items like washing machines and tumble dryers.

Why is React Necessary?

The need
In 2006 the number of children estimated to be living with a life-limiting illness in the UK rose to 25,000 (ACT, The Association for Children's Palliative Care). Meanwhile, statistics show that 30% of Britain's children are being raised in low-income households (Child Poverty Action Group).

These figures suggest that there may be as many as 7,500 terminally ill children nationwide whose families cannot afford the costly care they require.

Our achievements
Last year, React was able to provide vital support for 1,232 children with life-limiting illnesses being cared for at home in low-income families in the UK. Although our most successful year to date, we estimate that we are still only reaching 16% of those who may need our help.

Working with medical professionals involved in paediatric care, we are able to respond to specific, identified needs. Our remit is broad enough to ensure that the range of support we provide is as diverse as the many illnesses with which thousands of children across the UK are living every day.

This past year, we have supplied a wide range of equipment, from specialist wheelchairs, beds, baths, and mobility aids, to essential everyday items like washing machines and tumble dryers.

We are unique in our ability to respond very quickly to urgent requests for help, within hours if necessary. React's children simply do not have the time to wait months for the essential support they desperately need - support which is often not available from their local authority or the NHS.

React's mission

  • to improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged families throughout the UK
  • to provide families with the specialist care or equipment that will enhance their lives, following recommendations from medical professionals who have identified specific needs
  • to respond with practical and sensitive support within days, if not hours. When a child's life is short, an immediate response is vital
  • to support those families who are unlikely to receive the assistance they need from any other source in sufficient time
  • to provide assistance throughout a child's lifetime. Many life-limiting illnesses are degenerative and a child's needs may change constantly
  • to eliminate red tape and bureaucracy, allowing aid to be given quickly and without fuss, keeping administrative costs to an absolute minimum

Future objectives
Building on our achievements, we would like to reach more of the terminally ill children who so deserve a greater level of care.

This goal, however, involves two objectives:

  • we need to raise more funds in order to meet the requirements of an increasing number of children
  • we need to ensure that all families who would benefit from our help can access our service

React is Unique

• React responds quickly to requests for help, sometimes within hours, with no red tape and meeting needs not met by the authorities or other charities.

• React does not limit families to the number of applications they may submit and works with the co-operation of children's hospices and other support services.

We also offer family holidays in one of our eight holiday homes around the country. This is often the only chance at a holiday for many of the families and children we help. Click here to learn more.

React's newsletter demonstrates some of the people we help, and the recent work we have done, as well as updates on people we have helped in the past. It's available in PDF format here or sign up to our mailing list and we'll send you a copy.