MEMBERNEWS
Bodie Hodges Foundation makes a real difference to bereaved families
In 2012, the Hodges family entered a devastating chapter in their life, when they lost their 10-month-old son, Bodie, following a terrible accident. Through this heart-wrenching experience,
it became very clear that there was a lack of support for bereaved families of a child. In 2013, Nick Hodges, Bodie’s father,
found the strength and courage to launch the charity through his passion and determination to create a platform that truly supports bereaved families. Six years later and the foundation has had an incredible impact across the East Midlands and afar. So what do the Bodie Hodges Foundation
do to support bereaved families? It’s hard to summarise in a short article but here are just some of their major highlights…
Bodie’s Boathouse In 2016, the foundation officially opened ‘Bodie’s Boathouse’; a luxury three-bedroom retreat at Tallington lakes in Lincolnshire which is provided free of charge for families who have been bereaved of a child at any age. The purpose of the boathouse is to provide much-needed respite for bereaved families from the East Midlands, offering a relaxed and safe environment, allowing time for peace and reflection. It also provides an opportunity to spend valuable time with siblings. 40 families will make use of this special place throughout 2019.
“For the first time in seven months I felt true happiness while at the Boathouse I was scared I’d never feel it again so thank you so much. As a family we felt closer to our daughter while there. Everyone at Tallington lakes were so friendly especially the neighbours”
Testimonial from a family who have spent time at the Boathouse
14 business network October 2019
Organ donation programme In 2018, The Bodie Hodges Foundation Organ Donation Schools Education Programme was launched, which has since been delivered to a staggering 7,000 young people. Following his accident, Bodie showed remarkable strength and courage and although he lost his battle, he went on to become an organ donor and saved the lives of four other babies. Organ donation is therefore a major objective for the foundation and their efforts have been rewarded by recently securing a two-year partnership with Impact Air Systems (based in Leicester) in support of the programme.
Nick Hodges, Founder of the Bodie Hodges Foundation with Michelle Leach and Emma Dakin from the Children’s Intensive Care Unit and Ruth Ballington from the Organ Donation Team at Leicester Royal Infirmary at the opening of Bodie’s Boathouse in 2016.
New team member In September 2019, the foundation made a huge stride by appointing Nicola Rhodes, the third member of the team, as ‘Lead Child and Family Bereavement Practitioner’. Nicola’s role is ultimately to offer comfort and support from day one to families bereaved of a child across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. In this county, there is sadly no other immediate support of this kind.
These milestones are only a snippet of what the charity have achieved in such a short space of time. Only last month, a 40 strong Bodie Hodges Foundation team ran the Great North Run including celebrity ambassadors such as Nell McAndrew, Rendall Munroe and many more.
The charity is going from strength to strength and are always interested in great partnerships with local businesses. To find out more, please contact
nick@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk or
paul@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk You van also visit:
www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk
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