Ronald McDonald House

Many sick children are now treated in specialist NHS hospitals distant from their homes, as specialist medical treatments are increasingly provided from regional or national centres of excellence.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity which aims to provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to enable families to stay close to their child and maintain a degree of normal family life.

The charity has achieved a great deal in the last 25 years. Fourteen Ronald McDonald Houses have been built which support over 6,000 families a year.

The charity’s biggest source of income comes from the collection boxes in McDonald’s restaurants, through which customers give millions of pounds each year. In addition, McDonald’s employees and suppliers support the charity by organising fundraising events and donating their personal time. The company and its franchisees also make a generous yearly donation to the charity from their profits.

Jon Haward, Director of RMHC says: “Having a child admitted into hospital is every parent’s worst nightmare. Ronald McDonald Houses provide support for families at this difficult time, enabling them not only to stay together, but also to share their experiences with other families going through the same thing.”

Referral

Families are referred to the House via the Trust’s Neonatal ward or children’s ward manager or deputy manager. Once a referral has been accepted by the House manager, parents must complete a registration form and agree to comply with the house guidelines.

The Arrowe Park House provides accommodation for up to 28 people, 365 days of the year:

• All bedrooms are furnished to the highest standards with ensuite bathroom
• Bedrooms comfortably accommodate 4 adults
• Each bedroom has its own internal telephone, so the wards are able to contact families and vice-versa, there is also an internal telephone in the lounge
• 2 bedrooms are have been adapted for people with disabilities
• There are 2 fully equipped kitchens, 1 of which is fully accessible for people with disabilities
• A large lounge, children’s play area, quiet room and TV
• A laundry room allowing families with a long stay at the house to do their own washing and ironing whilst away from home
• Relatives who wish to email the house can email the Assistant House Manager 

Ronald McDonald House Charities needs you!

There are many ways in which you can help:

Events

From coffee mornings and sponsored walks to scaling mountains and international cycling events, you can do it all with Ronald McDonald House Charities; accomplish a life goal and support the House while you do it. What could possibly be more worthwhile?

Raise Money

It costs £25 a night to accommodate a family. As an independent charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep all our Houses open. 

Corporate Giving

A partnership between Ronald McDonald House Charities and your business can have a life-changing impact on the families of seriously ill children and can benefit your staff too. From bespoke challenge events to tailored volunteering opportunities and charity of the year partnerships, there are many ways we can work together to help families in need.

Trusts and Foundations

The Charity works hard to ensure donations from trusts and foundations are spent as effectively as possible, using monies provided to empower families to stay close to their child in hospital. The r Houses improve the socio-economic, mental and educational outcomes for whole families. The Charity delivers capital growth, in sustainable steps, with long term partnerships with children's hospitals at its heart. 

Support

RMHC has a dedicated fundraising team who can help you every step of the way. In return there are naming and recognition opportunities available at the House, including permanent, named plaques and acknowledgement in the local and national media.

Volunteering

The House is supported by a number of volunteers from local community, drawing on a variety of useful skills including computing, office and technical support, room preparation and cleaning.  However, we need more help.  To register your interest visit the link to the left.

"Thank you so much for all your help.  Without you we would be totally lost.  Cannot tell you how much we appreciate all your help with the practicalities of looking after ourselves and our wonderful, but fragile Ophelia.  It is the kindest and most helpful gestures which are normally taken for granted, but however upon which we rely on to get through this situation on a daily basis and maintain some kind of routine which will help Ophelia and us get through this.  You are such wonderful, kind people with hearts of angels. Ged, Lou and Ophelia (March 2015)"

"We want to thank you so much for your care and kindness to Mari and Dewi in the last few weeks the house is a safe haven for all families going through the difficulties of premature births.  Good luck with the fundraising we will not forget you, sincerely yours Alan, Vivian and Thomas (2015)."

"Just to say thank you so much for all your support during our stay.  You really made it feel like home.  Don’t know what we would have done without you all and the room, Jamie, Chris, Mollie and Lily (2015)"

"Thank you so much for allowing me to stay.  Without the facility I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult things would have been.  The work you do is absolutely wonderful, many thanks Adele, Steve, Cole, Jason and baby Sebastian (2104)"

"A huge thank you, this has been one of the most stressful times in our lives, but with the facilities you provide ease the stress from being parted from my baby boy. Carly, Tony and Lewis (2014)"

"We do not know how we would have coped if your wonderful house and staff had not been here to get us through this difficult time.  We wish you all the best in the future, Peter, Charlotte & Eleanor (2014)"