We’re hoping to support more families by giving our South Shields charity a permanent home
A South Tyneside charity has pledged to grow its support base as it looks to expand its work.
The founders of a new South Tyneside charity created by love and following loss have revealed their plans to widen its work – and their bid to grow its support base.
Sophie and Stephen Dupear say they hope to find a permanent home for South Shields-based Jamesie's Mission and secure grant funding.
They set up the newly official charity in response to the sudden death of their three-year-old son James in June 2022.
It supports parents suffering a bereavement or those facing the emotional or financial strain of caring for a poorly child long-term in hospital.
‘Important that the charity has a home of its own’
Sophie, 30, and Stephen, 47, say they are now on the lookout for a base and are on the verge of applying for their first grant funding.
It comes as they look to launch the charity’s second Christmas toy appeal and announce other fully funded support initiatives.
These include a ride on the Weardale Railway’s ‘Santa Express’ and a pumpkin pick – and a fundraising ball is also planned.
Sophie, a growth and development worker for the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, said: “It is important that the charity has a home of its own.
“We would love to be able to buy somewhere but renting a room or space is also an option.
“We are also looking into applying for grants which would help to fund the charity’s work in so many ways.
“It is very important that parents and others in the family are supported during a bereavement or when caring for a child in hospital.
“Fundraising and donations are helping us to pay for the support we are providing but we would always like to do more.”
Supporting other families
Sophie and Stephen established the charity in memory of James, who was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital after he stopped breathing at home.
He died three days later, having been transferred to the Great North Children’s Hospital at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.
The couple, who also have daughters Amelia, five, and Alice, two, say they were lovingly supported by medical staff.
However, they felt there was a lack of deeper support immediately after his death.
They also warn many parents and relatives in the wider family may feel they have little support in the following days and weeks.
But their work also sees them offer help to mums and dads with a child who may require long-term hospital care.
Those in such circumstances may be struggling emotionally and financially, often being unable to work due to their care duties.
Future fundraising work
As part of work, they are set to launch Jamesie’s Mission’s Christmas appeal, which in 2025 provided an estimated £36,000 of toys and gifts to the RVI.
This year, donations will also be made to Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital.
A fundraising Ball is planned for Saturday, November 14, at the Royal Station Hotel in central Newcastle.
And three nominated families will enjoy a free pumpkin pick at Brockrushes Farm at Hexham, Northumberland, on Saturday, October 31.
The charity has also booked an entire carriage on the Weardale Railway for Wednesday, December 23.
There is room for 15 families-of-four – or 60 family members including children in combination – and is being fully funded by the charity.
More information is at www.jamesiesmission.co.uk or www.facebook.com/jamesiesmission.