When Jessie's Fund was established there were just 8 children's hospices in the UK: one of our first projects was to equip them all with musical instruments. Since then, about 30 more have opened: as they open we provide instruments. In addition we buy instruments, on application, for other organisations involved in the care of sick children. Our experience has been that not only are the centres for children delighted to have instruments, but they are also grateful that we can advise and take responsibility for choosing the most appropriate instruments. In some cases we include MIDIcreator, an electronic instrument which enables sounds to be created with the tiniest of movements; this allows each child to be part of a sound, no matter how limiting their skills might be.

I am writing to express our deepest thanks and gratitude for the fantastic musical instruments and training you have provided for us. We had a truly fabulous day and feel that we have all learnt new skills which we have already started to put to good use during our visits with our children.