‘Please Donate My Birthday Money to the Nurses at Thames Hospicecare’ Asks Five Year Old Matthew…..

Last Monday 6th April , Claire Sugg, Community & Events Fundraiser at Thames Hospicecare was lucky enough to meet the most adorable little five year old boy, Matthew Groom, (pictured below), who had asked that money which would have been spent on his birthday presents instead be given  to the nurses that are looking after his Grandad at Thames Hospicecare. Matthew’s Grandad, John Browne, from Bracknell, is receiving care from the Day Support Unit of Thames Hospicecare at Paul Bevan House in Ascot.

Recently, at Matthew’s school some of the mums decided that the children received far too many toys for their birthdays and so rather than give a present those attending birthday parties were invited to make a cash donation instead.  50% of this cash was then used to buy the birthday child a toy and the remaining 50% was to be donated to a good cause.  When it came to Matthew’s party in March, he requested that the money being donated be given to the nurses that are caring for his Grandad.  He made this very generous and thoughtful request without any prompting from anyone. 

“I went to meet Matthew on 6th April  when he presented the nurses with the £60 that had been raised.  We sang him happy birthday, and gave him a little cake, and I had the pleasure of meeting his Grandad.  They clearly have a lovely relationship, and Matthew was very pleased to be able to give something to the nurses looking after his Grandad. He is a very loving and special little boy, and we are so grateful for the donation of £60 raised from his birthday party,” said Claire.

Matthew and his family live in Wokingham and he attends the Eagle House School in Sandhurst. He turned just five on his recent birthday.
“We would like to thank Matthew, and all the parents who donated money in place of presents. This money will help us to continue to provide much needed care to local patients and their families who need specialist help and support.” continued Claire.

Anyone wishing to support Thames Hospicecare should  contact Claire Sugg on 08456 128812 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it