‘Sam’s Superheroes’ donates hundreds of bags to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Children’s wards.
Sam’s Superheroes was founded by Rachel Liew in 2021 to create an ever-lasting legacy for Sam, her much-loved son who in passed away in May 2021, aged five years old. Sam’s love of superheroes is at the heart of the charity and this has been the theme of special ‘goody bags’ donated to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Children’s wards.
When a popular children’s play area within Blackpool Victoria Hospital was forced to close during the COVID pandemic, the goody bags became a much-needed source of joy for hundreds of children who found themselves admitted into hospital. Containing craft activities, superhero capes, toys and so much more, hundreds of bags have been given to children to help them have fun in a safe way.
Every week new bags are delivered by Sam’s Auntie Rhiannon who lives in Blackpool and commented, “Sam had a strong connection to Blackpool, it was a like a second home for him. He visited many times throughout his short life to see his grandparents, aunties, cousins and friends. As so many people who live in the Blackpool and Fylde area knew and loved Sam, we wanted to extend the reach of Sam’s Superheroes. His mummy Rachel suggested that creating activity packs for the children’s ward would be a natural fit when looking for local causes to support.
“We do this to keep Sam’s memory alive, he was such a kind boy who loved superheroes and to see other poorly children happy when receiving their bags is everything we could ask for.”
Rosanne Norman, Health Play Specialist at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, has been leading on the project and wanted to extend a thank you from all the play team to Rhiannon and Rachel for their generous donations. She said: “These bags mean everything, not just to the children receiving them, but to their parents and families too. Having a poorly child is heart-breaking but to see them smiling and laughing even when in hospital creates a much more positive experience for everyone involved.
“We can’t thank Sam’s Superheroes enough for their continued generosity”.
Rosanne and the team have asked anyone wanting to support the initiative to make a donation to the charity’s JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-liew-762?utm_term=MX59dBMK5.