Sophie’s Sparkle Fund
Sophie’s Sparkle Fund was set up by Alex and Kirsty Taylor in 2021 as a legacy for their daughter, Sophie.
Sophie peacefully passed away in January 2019 after a brave battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Sophie’s family’s wish is to make sure that Sophie’s name lives on and that no family has to endure alone what they experienced.
Money raised through the Sophie’s Sparkle Fund will go towards a project that enables Sophie to be remembered whilst providing support to children and their families that find themselves in similar positions, as well as towards advancing medical research into bone cancer and supporting charities and voluntary groups offering practical and emotional support for the wellbeing of children and their families impacted by childhood cancer.
“In memory of Sophie, we have put together the Sophie’s Sparkle Package to provide families of childhood cancer the opportunity to access a range of different services and products that may support you in making your journey just that little bit easier.”
Sophie’s Sparkle Package
How can I get support?
Families can apply for up to £250 of services from an approved list of suppliers with a range of options to benefit the patient, their parents and their siblings. To access an application form and to ask any questions they may have around the Fund and the general Sophie’s Sparkle Package experience, please contact the team at Norfolk Community Foundation.
What does the process look like?
Families will be guided through the whole experience, from confirming safe receipt of an application form, to introducing them to their chosen supplier and checking in both with the family and supplier once the booking has taken place to ensure all parties have a positive experience or service.
Who can apply?
Sophie’s Sparkle Package is available to support families of:
- Children (aged 16 or under) who reside in Norfolk and receiving treatment for cancer
- Children (aged 16 or under) who reside in Norfolk and who are within their first year of post-treatment for cancer
What services can I access?
A series of suppliers have been identified to offer services and products which will be of benefit and provide positive experiences to the families of children diagnosed with cancer.
Take a look below at the list of current suppliers and services available as part of the Sophie’s Sparkle Package.
List of suppliers
Elizabeths the Florists
Brighten up your day and your home and order a gorgeous bouquet from Elizabeths the Florists. Mums, Dads, siblings and patients all deserve a little something to lift their spirits. If flowers would do that for you then Elizabeths the Florists would be delighted to make one for you and arrange delivery.
Price: £30 bouquet
GameStation
Does your child enjoy gaming? Would they love a gaming arcade brought to them to enjoy with family and friends? Jamie and James at Gamestation will arrange bringing their mobile gaming arcade equipped with multiple tv screens, games consoles and Virtual Reality Experience as well. A unique and enjoyable experience guaranteed.
Price: £150 for 90 minutes
GMS Painting and Decorating Services
Whilst you are living away from home why not get Glen to create a personalised feature wall in your child’s bedroom? Give them a nice lift and something to enjoy when they come home from hospital.
Price: £80 feature wall
Huggable Heroes
Send an image of your loved one to Jo at Huggable Heroes and she will create your own personal huggable hero. Huggable parent for your child, huggable child for siblings – whatever would be of comfort to your family.
Price: £30 photo on one side / £37.99 double sided (postage included)
It’s My Party
If you have a celebration coming up or want to mark any time in your journey, order a party pack from It’s My Party. The Party Decoration Package includes:
– 2 Large Helium balloons of your choice
– 1 Walking animal helium balloon of your choice
– 6 standard latex helium balloons of your choice
– bunting of your choice
– banner of your choice x1
– table cover, colour of your choice x1
– party plates, colour of your choice x8
– party cups, colour of your choice x8
– napkins, colour of your choice x16
Price: £30 party bundle
Little Owl’s Creations
Book a time with Sarah to have casts made of your child’s hand and foot, presented in a gorgeous wooden frame. It’s a fun and engaging activity and you’ll have an item to treasure at the end of it. If more of you want casts taken, Sarah can discuss this as well.
Price: £165 + £1 per mile from NR13 3DD
Modern Tribe Photography
When you have some time together why not take the opportunity to have a professional photo shoot with Stacey at Modern Tribe photography? Smile together, stick your tongue out at cancer and treasure the memories you make with a personal gallery of digital images to do anything you like with.
Price: £20 to cover admin and travel
Norwich Gardening and Landscaping
Whilst you are away from home your garden may run away with itself. Get Norwich Gardening and Landscaping to come over and provide an hour or two of garden maintenance work to ease the pressure on yourselves.
Price: £34 per hour
Sons of Mark Music
Does your child have a favourite song? Would they like their own personalised cover of it? Sons of Mark will learn, rehearse and record this on video with a personalised message to support your loved one on their journey. Give them a lift they can watch over and over just for them.
Price: £40 personal message and song choice recording
Swagger and Jacks
Dear Dads, it’s important to look after yourself as well as your family. Book in with Matt at Swagger and Jacks to have a trim and freshen up at a time convenient for you.
Price: Haircuts £29, Haircut/Beard £33, Cut Throat Shaves £40, Haircut and Shave £60
The Baker Edit
Have The Baker Edit treat your loved one to a themed birthday cake, 12 themed cupcakes or a treat box including brownies, cookies, sausage rolls and fruit and cheese scones. Include this in a celebration, a picnic or to have nice treat to brighten a day.
Price: £55-65 for a themed cake / £30 for 12 themed cupcakes / £37.50 for a treat box – free collection or £5 for delivery within 15 miles of NR7 8GT
Thermal Plumbing and Heating
Having a safe and functional boiler is important for when you’re at home. Don’t worry about the cost of your boiler service. Get Thermal to come and complete this for you and ease yourselves of one home stress. They will make sure it’s working as it should.
Price: £65 + VAT (£78)
How you can help families in Norfolk
Sophie’s family set up the Sophie’s Sparkle Fund with the ambition to make sure that no family feels alone when battling childhood cancer, but they need your support to help reach as many families in Norfolk as possible.
Donations can be made by completing the donation form on the page, by calling 01603 623958 to make a card payment over the phone or by sending a cheque made payable to Norfolk Community Foundation (referencing ‘Sophie’s Sparkle Fund’ on the reverse) to Norfolk Community Foundation, 5th Floor St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN.
