CHILDREN’S Hospice South West (CHSW) has been shortlisted to win a pot of funding to pay for its ‘Time to Play’ project.

The People’s Projects gives the public the chance to have a say in how lottery funding should be spent in their community through an online vote. CHSW is hoping to get support for its Time to Play project which supports play activities at Little Bridge House hospice in Devon and Little Harbour in Cornwall.

A spokesperson for CHSW said: ‘When your lives are overtaken with administering medication, feeding, appointments and sleepless nights, there can be little time left over to play. Time to Play gives families staying with CHSW the opportunity to simply have fun and play together.’

At CHSW creating precious memories for families is a priority.

Sally Norden, from the charity’s sibling team said: ‘Life-limited children need so much care and can be in so much pain that any chance to smile and laugh or to be immersed in play can create a treasured memory for that child and their parents.

‘Whether in the hospice’s ball pool, hydrotherapy pool, garden or with arts and crafts, play is such an important part of a family’s stay at CHSW and this funding will make such a difference to the activities we can offer, not only for life-limited children but also siblings, teenagers and bereaved siblings. CHSW is up against four other charities to win funding for the Time to Play project and needs the support of the local community.’

You can vote online at www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk by simply selecting the region and choosing the Time for Play project.

Voting closes midday on Sunday 13 March.