Hello everyone,

It would mean so much to see our community come together with love and purpose as we stand before you with a heavy heart but also with hope, hope that together we can make a real difference. As many of you don't know, one of our beautiful children here at the nursery has recently been diagnosed with Batten disease. For those who are unfamiliar, Batten disease is a rare, life-limiting neurodegenerative disorder that affects children’s brains and bodies, taking away abilities that were once mastered, For example, walking, talking, seeing, and playing, until eventually it sends them away.

Hearing about this diagnosis was devastating. None of us can imagine the pain and fear that their family is experiencing right now. As staff, parents, friends, and human beings, our hearts are breaking alongside them. We see their child every day, smiling, laughing, learning, and bringing so much light to our nursery. It feels unthinkable that such a cruel disease could take this away.

But we are not just here to feel sadness. We are here because we refuse to let this family walk this journey alone. We are here to stand beside them, to lift them up, and to fight in any way we can, whether that’s supporting their day-to-day needs, fundraising for specialist equipment and treatments, or contributing to research into Batten disease so that one day no other family will have to hear these words.

We know we cannot change the diagnosis. But we can change their experience of it. We can create memories, offer relief, and show them that there is a Community surrounding them with love, practical help, and unwavering care. It is about being the hands that catch them when they feel they are falling. It is about being the light in their darkest moments.

So I ask each and everyone of you here, as a parent, friend, neighbour, or simply as someone who cares, please give what you can. Whether it’s a donation, your time, your prayers, or your ideas to keep this momentum going, know that it all matters. Together, we can ease this family’s burdens and ensure they never feel alone.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing with us, and with them, in love and action.

Team Rainbows