A RUNCORN mum who lost twin baby boys is urging support for a charity which helped her family at the toughest time.

Claire House Children’s Hospice is inviting families, schools, businesses and groups to roll up their sleeves and take part in the annual Butterfly Bake.

Kind-hearted supporters can help their local children’s hospice by baking cakes, biscuits, pastries, or bread throughout March.

The Butterfly Bake is named after the vital end-of-life care provided by Claire House – and everyone can get involved.

Mum Carol Plumpton-Walsh, from Runcorn, has talked about the difference the support of Claire House made when she lost her twin baby boys, Archie and Elliott.

She said: “In hospital it was so intense. It’s just so good that the hospice team were there to support us and provide other people to talk to.

"They also made me necklaces of Elliott and Archie’s hand and footprints that I have round my neck today.

“After the twins died, my husband Norman and I started counselling, and we joined the Claire House Butterfly Babies bereavement group.

“It helped being around people who understand what we’ve been through. Friends and family try but sometimes I don’t think they know how to deal with it or how to react.

“We would love it if everyone could get involved in Claire House’s Butterfly Bake to help them continue to support families like ours.”

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Whether you’re baking at school, having an office bake-off, or swapping tasty recipes with friends, you can don your apron to help Claire House.

You could even hold a bake sale at the local village hall or in your home.

And every penny raised will help the charity to reach out to more children and their families in your area.

Cora Shafto, community engagement manager at Claire House, said: “The Butterfly Bake is a great way to get involved with Claire House and to find out more about one of our most vital services.

“The bake is named after the end-of-life care we provide, and the butterfly symbol is used by children’s hospices because it is beautiful, yet fragile.

“Anyone can take part during the month and your support means we can be here for more children and their families when they need us most.”

The aim of the Butterfly Bake is to shine the spotlight on the end-of-life and bereavement support Claire House provides to families.

When a local baby, child or young person dies, Claire House offers practical and emotional support during the toughest of times.

Three Butterfly coordinators support bereaved families in the Wirral hospice or at home. They can help with registering the child’s death and funeral planning as well as collecting mementoes, supporting grieving siblings and offering a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

To get involved in the Butterfly Bake, visit clairehouse.org.uk/events/butterfly-bake-2024/ You can also call 0151 343 0883 or email fundraising@clairehouse.org.uk.