Impact Report
Welcome from our Chair of Trustees
As Chair of Trustees for The Bodie Hodges Foundation, it is my privilege to reflect on our year of impact and to share our continuous mission of supporting families who are bereaved of a child across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
In 2024, we provided over 1,000 1-1 bereavement counselling sessions and saw an impressive increase in participation in our peer support groups, which include ‘Creative Grief for Mums’, ‘Chips and a Chat’ meet ups for fathers, and age-specific grief activities for young people. Our ‘Together Project’ has flourished, offering bereaved children and teens the space to connect with others who understand their grief. Growth of these peer sessions continue with our ‘Together Juniors’ initiative due to begin in early 2025, designed to support younger children, aged 6-10 years.
The continued success of our Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bags, which were distributed to 160 families in the last year, continues to be an important service that we offer nationwide. These bags offer essential tools for children and young people to help process their grief in their own way, creating a legacy of love and remembrance for the sibling who has died.
Fundraising and financial stability remain key to our growth. With the support of businesses, individuals, and organisations, we raised vital funds that allowed us to extend our services to more families with more services. Despite challenges in the competitive grant environment, we are grateful for the ongoing
Gemma Orton Chair of Trustees - The Bodie Hodges Foundation
commitment of our supporters, sponsors and partners and the funders who have invested in us this year.
We achieved a major milestone in September 2024, by winning the Enterprising Women Team of the Year award. This organisation is an extension of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers.
Financially, we ended the year in a positive position, with 80% of our income coming from community support and fundraising events. We will continue to prioritise sustainability by maintaining a reserves policy that ensures we are well-prepared for the future.
Looking forward, we will continue to grow, adapting to the needs of the families we serve and seeking new ways to ensure no family grieves alone.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our work this year.
Together, we are making a difference to grieving families, offering them hope, support, and a sense of community in their darkest moments.
Who we are & what we do
Dedicated,
compassionate support for bereaved families
Specialist family bereavement counselling charity
The Bodie Hodges Foundation is a local Leicestershire based charity that supports families who have been bereaved of a child. The charity was established in 2013 by Nick and Donna Hodges after the death of their ten-month-old son Bodie. They wanted to offer support to other bereaved families as their experience highlighted how isolating losing a child was. The charity has now become well-regarded regionally for its sensitive, effective professional bereavement services and support groups to adults, children and young people in their darkest hour of grief.
We believe that every family bereaved of a child should have access to early support. We support the whole family bereaved of a baby or child, aged 24 weeks gestation to 18 years, living in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, providing 1-1 bereavement counselling during the first two years, alongside peer support groups.
The early days following the death of a child can feel lonely and isolating, and bereaved families can be given a lot of advice about how to feel and what to do, but we know that each of us grieves uniquely and so our service supports families to grieve in their own way.
Our vision and values
Our vision
Early therapeutic bereavement support for the whole family
Our vision is to give hope to families bereaved of a child, supporting them to rebuild and remember.
We want every family in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who experiences the death of their child to have access to our experienced, compassionate bereavement counsellors. They offer emotional support to both parents and siblings who can be at the darkest points in their lives.
Together we can ensure that no family is left to grieve alone.
Our values
Hope
We support families to stay connected to their child as they learn to grieve.
Compassion
We act with care and empathy.
Resilience
We acknowledge that grieving for a child or sibling is lifelong.
“When we said goodbye to Bodie for the last time we promised him that we would do good things in his name, but we never imagined that we would be helping so many families after founding a charity 12 years ago”.
Professionalism
We share a passion to always provide the best for families.
Collaboration
We work together to provide the best support possible to our families.
Part of our mission is to also raise the awareness of the facts around organ donation. Bodie became an organ donor at just 10 months old and saved or improved the lives of other children. He donated his liver, bowel and heart valves to four other babies giving them and their families another chance at life. Knowing that Bodie had given others a chance to have a future and lead a normal life inspired us to continue his legacy.
Bodie’s Bereavement Service
Sadly around 100 children die in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland each year. It is a deeply traumatic time for both parents and siblings.
For parents, the death of a child is one of the most devastating experiences they can face.
Bodies Bereavement Service gives everyone a platform to share their emotions, worries and concerns but most importantly to give their grief a voice so they feel heard. We help families to facilitate conversations around death which in turn helps to improve mental health within the family unit.
The most intense psychological effects are usually experienced in the first two years after the death of a child, but with timely emotional and early therapeutic support, families can develop amazing strength and resilience.
We aim to see families within 12 weeks after their referral for assessment. Bereaved parents are given the opportunity to learn about our services and decide what support feels best for their families. This includes:
Early therapeutic support for individuals and couples
1-1 counselling
1-1 children and young people’s counselling support in school or at Bodie’s House
Peer support groups for adults, children and young people
By accessing and engaging in our services, families can begin to comprehend the often bewildering and frightening changes in their lives and explore their own grief honestly and openly. The Bodie Hodges Foundation supports them as they continue to navigate everyday life like work, family and other responsibilities.
Scan for more info on Bodie’s Berevement Service
Children and young people
How we support bereaved siblings
Experiencing the death of a sibling is lifelong and children and young people will revisit their grief often and also at key milestones. Families are forever changed, with siblings witnessing the grief of their parents too.
Siblings often feel as though a part of themselves is missing, and this sense of loss can be incredibly isolating. The person whom they shared memories and experiences with is no longer in their day to day life. Bereaved siblings tell us that they feel isolated from their peers, struggle with low self-esteem and a loss of hope.
Our 1-1 bereavement counselling with bereaved siblings helps them to explore their grief, remember their sibling, encourage conversations about death and support families to stay connected to the person who has died.
1-1 counselling support is available for school age children and above
This is provided by our counsellors in their school or at Bodie’s House and aims to help children and young people navigate their early grief, understand the changes in themselves and their families. It also offers them a space to talk openly about their brother or sister without the need of upsetting other members of their family. T
oGE PROJECT JUNIORS
Youth groups for children and young people
Together Project is for young people aged 11-16 years and Together Project Juniors is for young people aged 6-10 years.
These groups allow them to meet other bereaved siblings, feel less alone and know that there are other people who feel like they do. By attending, the children and young people have a safe place to explore their feelings, to laugh and build hope for the future.
Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bags
Our gift to bereaved families nationwide
Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bags are sent with love and filled with grief resources to encourage conversations about death, understand grief and encourage children to share their worries and feelings. The bags are free of charge for bereaved siblings living in the UK. They are our gift to support families to remember and grieve together and we can send up to 2 bags per family. It can be difficult for families to talk openly about the death of their child and so our hope is for our bags to provide a starting point for conversations.
Each bag contains a Worry Bear Boo who helps children to share their worries and offers comfort.
Ages 3-10 is our younger bag which includes a grief workbook, storybooks to explain death and encourage conversations around feelings.
Ages 11-16 is our older bag and contains a Grief Encounter workbook as well as ideas to express or share grief.
Ages 3-25 for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and supports children and young people who have communication difficulties which makes explaining death more difficult. Full of sensory props, story and emotion cards and a memory cushion.
The bags were inspired by our daughter’s grief for her brother and the need to support siblings following the death of their brother or sister. As a parent, our concern for our surviving children can be as painful as our grief and so we hope that Bodie’s Treasured Memory bags will help to support you as a family as you grieve.
Charlie received a Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bag
Natalie, Mummy to Charlie & Emily shares her story
Charlie’s sister Emily was born on the 20th December at 1.15pm. I was only 28 weeks’ gestation, due to reduced movements. It turned out the reduced movements was due to fetomaternal haemorrhage and Emily was rushed straight to NICU.
Unfortunately, we found out 2 days later that Emily had severe brain damage and wouldn’t make it.
Charlie was able to meet his sister, but it really broke his heart as all he wanted to do was bring her home. On the Saturday he had his first hold, he even changed her nappy. Sadly, in the early hours of Christmas Eve morning Emily passed away.
Charlie talks about Emily all the time, but I’ve noticed he’s now angry this has happened. The journal will be brilliant for Charlie to write down his feelings or even write down letters to Emily. He is a big fan of bears so the bear hasn’t left his side. The books are also a fantastic way to help siblings understand what has happened. Charlie is delighted with it all. Thank you
Natalie, Mummy to Charlie and Emily
Forever Loved Funds
This year 3 Forever Loved Funds have been set up by families we have supported. The funds offer families a special way to remember their child through regular fundraising. Each fund has its own name and logo which has been inspired by their child.
#ForMenai ran a Summer holiday competition, with decorated stones being left in Salou Spain, Disneyland Paris, The Nürburgring in Germany, and Liege in Belgium. Menai’s colleagues from KH Hair in Hinckley also continued to show their support by holding a Christmas raffle. Since launching Menai’s fund friends and family have raised over £22,291 which has supported Bodie’s Bereavement Service.
Becky, Owens mum has been out and about in her local community asking local businesses to proudly display one of Owen’s collection tins. So far Owen…1,2,3 has raised £197!
“The level of support has been amazing, and you understand how to support us all. You allowed me to let everything out”
Becky
Steve and Alison, Matty’s parents have held a host of events including a Bingo night, a glass fusion workshop and a curry night. Both are taking part in the 2025 London Marathon and have so far raised a staggering £5,428!
“We would like to be able to support the charity financially so that they can continue their amazing work.Alongside this we would LOVE to raise enough money to set up a sibling support group for siblings over 18 years as there is currently no such group available. This we feel would be extremely beneficial” .
Steve and Alison, Matty’s parents
Our year in numbers...
1,251 1-1 counselling sessions booked for our families
We supported a total of 62 families during 2024 We received a total of 38 family referrals
From these new referrals we have supported 54 new clients, 53 were already receiving support from us
927 1-1 counselling session for parents This equates to 109 individuals which breaks down to 84 adults and 25 children.
25 children received 1-1 counselling, with
295 of these taking place in schools
29 at Bodie’s House during school holidays
Monthly Support Group numbers...
10 Creative Grief Workshops for Bereaved Mums
2 Anxiety Workshops for the Young People we support
Increase in staff recuited
8 Chips and a Chat meet ups
13 Together Project sessions, our youth group for bereaved siblings
160 Treasured Memory Bags travelled a total of 3208 miles
40,149 people visited our website the equivalent of one full time counsellor & team administrator
Social
Our social media channels help us raise awareness of child bereavement. You can help us by following us, liking, sharing and commenting on our posts
How you have helped our families during 2024
In 2024 we raised £367,349 with the support of our incredible #TeamBodie supporters. Without you none of our support would be possible!
88 balls travelled a minimum of 362 miles at The Belfry Golf Day 2024 – this raised £17,395.95, the most one of our golf days have ever raised!
“We just wanted to let you know that we had an absolute blast, it was hands down the best golf day any of us have ever played in. We’ve all done our fair share of golf days over the years, and we all drove home saying what an incredible day it was. Thank you for putting on such a great day and congratulations on raising such a huge amount of money. “
Tom Grimshaw, Rise Fitness
Our London Marathon, Great North Run and Leicester Half Marathon runners have collectively covered 633 miles. The equivalent of running up and down Hadrian’s Wall 8 ½ times! Our amazing #TeamBodie runners raised over £50K!
“The Great North Run was a great experience to be part of, one of those once in a lifetime things for a me as a trial runner. The whole experience was brilliant from being invited to Team Bodie filled with a host of positive friendly folks to seeing the odd Bodie’s t-shirt on the way round, saying hello and smiling through the miles and the rain!”
Tim Elliott, Great North Run
Aurora walked 2 miles every day during October and raised a total of £888 in memory of her little sister Iris.
32 NEW supporters signed up to our Glimmers of Light campaign which saw our monthly giving gifts increase by 800% - all helping to support the parents, children and young people who access our services.
337 signed up for Freddie’s Festive Fun Run in December taking part in a 1km and 5km route, raising over £12,500! 143 cups of mulled wine were sold bringing lots of festive cheer to the day!
For the 2nd year we collaborated with another local charity, Alex’s Wish for our Summer Fashion Show raising a fantastic £3,839.62. Thanks to the wonderful DC Boutique for showcasing their beautiful products!
Our incredible supporters took part in so many amazing challenges for us including the Peak District Ultra Challenge, an Easter Egg hunt, a 30-mile bike ride across Leicestershire, lots of bake sales, a 5 a side football match, a 24hr virtual cycling event, a Wing Walk, coffee mornings, a duck race and so much more. Thanks to these supporters and lots more they helped raise £20,820.
Brian and 5 of his friends took part in a 4-day car rally which saw them drive from Thornton, Leicestershire to Perth in Scotland. They then took on the rally around the Scottish Highlands in a couple of old bangers! In total they clocked up a total of 1,600 miles! The team raised a staggering £1,442!
“To be honest the six of us had an absolute blast, the best time, and being able to raise money for such an important cause while doing it was the icing on the cake. We’re very pleased that we’ve been able to make a donation that will support the amazing work that you do supporting families through such difficult times. It really has been a privilege.”
Imaan’s Mama’s Story
Imaan’s Mama was 2 months pregnant when doctors first raised concerns about her baby daughter.
“Not long after my first few scans I was told that my baby was going to pass away. No one could say when but they said she would die. I carried on going for my regular scans and each time there was a heartbeat. Every time I came away having heard that sound I had hope.”
At 28 weeks she took her son for a walk.
“We were out and I had this weird feeling and I just knew. I called the doctors and they told me to come in but I had a gut feeling, I knew she was gone. The scan showed her heart had stopped.”
Following an induction she delivered her daughter Imaan.
“I got to hold her and have her with me in a cold cot that night, then she was taken away.”
In the midst of her heartbreak, she was forced to deal with her grief privately and alone.
“Baby loss is not something that is talked about in my culture. No one in my family was there when I had her. No one came to see me. No one called or sent a text. I was in shock, deep in my grief and my family didn’t even acknowledge Imaan had ever existed.”
Because of the reaction, Imaan’s Mama didn’t share her feelings with anyone.
“I had experienced miscarriage before, and it wasn’t spoken about but I never imagined the reaction to Imaan’s birth would be what it was. For them, the memory of my pregnancy and daughter died the moment she did, but I couldn’t allow that to happen. I was determined she would be a part of my life because she was, still is and always will be.”
A bereavement midwife at the hospital supported Imaan’s Mama and referred her to The Bodie Hodges Foundation for 1:1 counselling.
Keepsakes can become incredibly meaningful to a family after the death of their child. These personal items, whether a favourite toy or a piece of clothing are a connection to their baby or child. Many families find comfort as they become part of helping to keep the memory of their loved one alive
“I don’t know what I would have done without The Bodie Hodges Foundation and my counsellor George. All I have wanted was to feel as though someone was listening and that they hear me. I can come here and that’s exactly what I get.
I’m encouraged to feel my emotions, it’s not about putting them to one side and getting on with things. That’s something that took a long time for me to be able to do because I’ve always been expected to carry on.”
Imaan’s Mama’s friends and family don’t know she has been having 1:1 counselling for almost 2 years.
“I was expected to forget about it and move on. But in my sessions with George, I’m encouraged to talk about how I feel, and that makes me realise that it’s ok for me to feel how I do. Everything here is at my own pace, I lead the conversation, I set the tone.”
Initially concerned about if the sessions would help and whether she might be judged, Imaan’s Mama is relieved she made the decision to accept the support.
“There are days when I feel good, and my energy is high. But a week later I might have had to force myself to get up because I am at my lowest. I’ve come to realise that both versions of me are OK.
Everyone here understands that there is no right or wrong way to be. I have never felt judged. Since coming here I have never felt alone.”
Imaan’s Mama is nearing the end of her two years of support and while she is worried about not having her regular sessions, she recognises the progress she has made.
Her experience has been so transformative she hosted a fundraising event for the charity that she says has been ‘her rock’ since losing Imaan.
“I don’t want anyone else to ever go through what I’ve gone through. I don’t want anyone to face the pain of losing a child alone and sadly I know that there are parents who are doing that right now. I need to break the chain and by doing that I hope it’s a step towards change.”
Reflecting on what The Bodie Hodges Foundation means to Imaan’s Mama, she is grateful for somewhere to speak Imaan’s name freely.
“I never got the opportunity to make memories with my daughter. This place keeps me connected to my daughter and that’s what I need and want. I don’t want her to ever go away.
Coming here doesn’t take away the pain, but it helps me manage
it.”
Tracey’s Story
Whilst looking for a creative activity, a group name jumped out at me, ‘Creative Grief for Bereaved Mums’ .... well that’s me I thought, having lost my beautiful, funny, brave son Ellis in February 2021 in the midst of Covid.
I signed up, not knowing what to expect, imagining I’d be sitting in a room with ladies crying non-stop for two hours, whilst drawing stick men.
I walked into my first session to a warm welcome from Julia our lovely teacher, given a coffee, followed by a step-by-step lesson on how to paint beautiful flowers on canvas. Not having picked up a paint brush since school I was amazed at my finished artwork. There was no mention of anyone’s loss or any tears that session. I offered to pay at the end and that’s when I found out the sessions were provided by The Bodie Hodges Foundation.
I went along to my second session, and I met Donna Hodges, who couldn’t have been kinder to me, asking about my loss and explaining more about the charity and the support it offers bereaved families.
My overarching feeling when attending these sessions is, it’s a safe place, to be in a room with other Mums, that each have their own unique story, but all have experienced the indescribable pain of losing a child.
I’d previously been on a course for flower arranging and dreaded anyone wanting to talk to me, as invariably the ‘How many children do you have?’ question comes up and how are you meant to answer that? Should I say 3 or I had 3 but now just 2? Not wanting to explain my loss and to avoid making someone else feel awkward. The group has taught me that it’s fine to tell people, their few minutes of being uncomfortable is incomparable to the extent of what you’ve been through.
There’s never any pressure to speak about your own loss, you can sit quietly and follow Julia’s instructions, wondering how on earth you’ll leave the session with anything that vaguely resembles her marvellous work.
“We often say it’s a very mindful process and very relaxing, we always comment how we hate to miss a session due to other commitments. Sometimes you might share a snippet about your own loss or support another member who may be having a tough few weeks.
We’ll all have birthdays, or anniversaries coming up; Mothers Days and Christmases to get through.... However, we laugh too, together in our quest to pull off a piece of art better than that of a four-year-old.
Overall, it’s a room full of wonderful, strong women who I would never have met if it wasn’t for the amazing support offered by the charity.
Thank you, Team Bodie!”
Pete’s Story
Pete, a Doctor in the NHS, has been supported by The Bodie Hodges Foundation since his 5-yearold son Rhys died in 2022.
“He was always smiling, had long blond hair and loved chocolate brownies or anything sweet. His favourite, before he was poorly, was the cappuccino foam. He always loved that!”
Rhys was diagnosed with a long-term health condition when he was a toddler. Pete explains:
“Even when he was poorly, he would still be smiling and giggling. We always knew because of his condition he would deteriorate but we never really knew when or how. We were in and out of Rainbows Children’s Hospice five or six times before he died. We’d go in not knowing whether we’d be coming home with him and then he would recover, and we would. That was difficult because there was always part of you thinking he’d get better because he’s made it through before.”
After Rhys passed away, Pete spoke to a counsellor at the hospice and soon after he was referred to The Bodie Hodges Foundation.
“Speaking to a counsellor made me see that talking helped. I wanted to carry on talking to someone. I knew that I needed to.”
Pete began attending 1:1 counselling sessions at Bodie’s House.
“No one knows how to do this. Losing a child is a specific thing. It’s rare, and it’s unnatural.
Special occasions and celebrations are always hard, grief is always there in the background. But sometimes day to day life is just as difficult. I really think that speaking to people who recognise that and understand the different nature of losing a child is very important.”
Pete’s own thoughts on dealing with grief have been challenged throughout his experience. He explains:
“I didn’t expect it to be like this for me at all. I thought I would be really upset, then gradually it would ease and then I would start to cope. As a doctor I’m used to wanting to fix things, find solutions and make things better, but I have come to the realisation that this can’t be fixed, and I’ll always be grieving in some way was hard to accept.
I thought I was weird; I thought there was something wrong with me, but then I came here and was told that it’s totally normal to feel like that. To know I’m not the only one who feels that way was reassuring.”
Pete continued to struggle with his grief as time passed. He kept up his regular sessions, even when he felt like he wasn’t making progress.
“About a year, year and half after Rhys died was when things came crashing down for me. I was worried there was something wrong with me because I still felt like I did and I still do now. There seems to be this idea that things are difficult initially and then they get better. That’s most people’s experience of grief when they lose a grandparent. That’s natural grief.
Pete has also found support at Chips and Chat, a Bodie Hodges Foundation support group for bereaved dads.
“As men and dads, we don’t always talk as much, we don’t vocalise our feelings. Family and friends are and have always
Chips and a Chat
Men are often labelled as not wanting to talk about emotions but if you provide the right platform its incredible how much people open up.
This year we have hosted our Chips and a Chat peer support group for bereaved Dad’s at a variety of settings and these have included evenings of pool, shuffleboard, virtual golf and darts. During the warmer
The
support from The Bodie Hodges Foundation has given me the confidence to take things at my own pace and to know that there is no timeframe or textbook way of grieving for a child.”
been really supportive and it’s helpful to be able to talk to them, but I always feel aware of their feelings too. I think you do hold back sometimes, in an effort to protect them, and not to worry them.”
months we have met at Everards Meadows for a walk and talk before a refreshment and chips.
At these sessions there is no pressure to talk or share as sometimes just listening to others going through the same can be enough.
Grief is an isolating experience, but our peer support group provides a safe space for Dads to connect with others who understand how they will be feeling and creates a sense of community.
Corporate Support
Bodie’s Business Supper Club
This year Bodie’s Business Supper Club members have helped us raise £15,495. This has enabled us to provide hope and support to local families through the darkest time of their grief.
The Bodie Hodges Foundation’s Business Supper Club is not your average business club. We provide opportunities for Leicester’s business leaders to meet quarterly for drinks and supper with like minded people. A huge thank you to all our members for their continued support.
“ER Recruitment is proud to be part of Bodie’s Business Supper Club. Each event is a unique opportunity to come together with like-minded businesses to enjoy not only delicious food and moving conversations, but also to support a cause that is close to our hearts.
The Supper Club stands out because it goes beyond traditional networking.
Through these events, we’re continually reminded of the incredible work the Bodie Hodges Foundation does in supporting bereaved families, and it’s inspiring to hear first-hand updates on where the funds raised are making a real difference. Over the years we’ve supported a variety of Bodie Hodges initiatives, it’s part of our DNA to make a positive impact and we know that by being part of the Bodie Hodges community we are contributing to something truly special.”
Eileen Perry MBE DL Managing Director, ER Recruitment
We asked our Supper Club members to share one thing they admire about The Bodie Hodges Foundation and here is what they said:
Fiercely driven. Genuinely different!
Jacob Duckworth
Anthony James Insurance Brokers
The C6 – East Midlands team have been instrumental in our growth during 2024. At the beginning of the year, we received a £40,082 donation. Customer delivery managers, Max and Harps then organised a team Golf Day which raised a further £700!
We also received a further £6,000 donation during December.
Not only have these funds helped our bereavement services; the team and their engineers have helped to raise the awareness around child death, both locally and nationally. We are so grateful to all the British Gas C6 team and are looking forward to working together in 2025!
Charity of Choice
We love to work with local and national businesses which help to provide the best support possible to our families!
In 2024, so many amazing companies chose us as their Charity of Choice. Staff from Volpo Lounge, Walkers Deli and Sausage, EHL Solicitors and Beaumont Shopping Centre took part in raffles, dress down days, cycle rides, bake sales and even created a Bodie cocktail! They have helped raise over £16,900!
Lots of other organisations fundraised in memory of Freddie Orton, continuing to support our work including Market Bosworth Football Club, Loxx Salon, Rise Fitness in Ibstock and so many more championing the #BeMoreFreddie values.
Gifts in Kind
We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the businesses who have provided their services to us in kind during 2024.
Bodie’s House
Bodie’s House is a place where families know that they will be listened to and supported.
Our 11-room building has 6 therapy spaces, along with offices and meeting spaces for the charity. It is a safe and non-judgemental environment for the families we are supporting to come and talk about their child or sibling.
At the end of 2023 we were able to purchase our forever home, after raising £450,000 in just 2 years thanks to our wonderful supporters.
“We promised Bodie that we would do good things in his name and so we always believed that we would succeed with this goal.”
“It’s like a second home. It’s warm, welcoming and most importantly, you can be your true self.”
Our plans for 2025 and beyond
Over the next twelve months, we can work together to support more families, helping them to rebuild and remember.
Our ultimate goal is to be able to support the death of a child of any age.
As an organisation we want to be able to increase our eligibility criteria to support families bereaved of a child aged 25 years and younger. We were hoping that the appointment of a part time bereavement counsellor would allow this to happen but the demand to support our families continues to grow.
We have now set up systems to support students on placement and have advertised this opportunity. Ideally we want to recruit 2-4 students in 2025 which we hope will enable us to have more capacity to then increase the age up to 25 years and younger for 2026/27.
Create a new and improved running strategy. With the addition of 30 London Marathon place, we would like this to become the long-term funding to increase our age.
In 2025 we will be reviewing the services we provide for children and young people to ensure that it meets their needs and is timely to support their grief.
Thank You!
We are hugely grateful to all of our supporters who have helped us be there for bereaved families over the last twelve months. Thank you to The Cranfield Trust and Jane Bellhouse for helping us to create our first Impact Report.
The Bodie Hodges Foundation would firstly like to thank our Board of Trustees and #TeamBodie volunteers.
A very special thank you to Claire who gives up her time to support our Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bag project ensuring all bags are sent out to bereaved siblings across the UK. Jenny is also one of our long-standing volunteers who supports the fundraising team every week with various admin tasks and event preparation. We are hugely grateful to both of you!
Donate If you would like to make a donation or donate in memory, please head to our website.
Could you be part of helping us reach more grieving families in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland? Sign up to our Glimmers of Light campaign by setting up a monthy gift.
Fundraise We have regular fundraising events throughout the year, including a host of running events! To join in or create your own, please visit: www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk/fundraising-events
Corporate Partner Our corporate partners play a vital role in helping us support our families. Could your business choose us as your Charity of Choice? Get in touch! On hello@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk
Our Senior Management team
Chair of Trustees – Gemma Orton
Co - founder & CEO – Donna Hodges
Lead Bereavement Counsellors – Nicola Rhodes and Emily Burns
Fundraising and Communications Manager – Ruth Johnson
Please contact our Fundraising team on fundraising@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk or call 0116 2436367 or visit our website www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk
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