Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity has launched its new Impact Report: A Knock at the Door, so called because much of the charity’s support begins with just that – a knock at the door.
The backdrop orange shade in the digital publication was inspired by Emily’s nails, a teenager featuring in the film.
Emily, 15, her parents Laura and Ben and siblings Oliver, aged 10, and Caitlin, five, along with Layla, aged five and her mother Clara; and mum Emma, daughter Bella, aged five and son Alexander, also feature.
They have all bravely opened their doors to Rainbow Trust to speak on film about the difference Rainbow Trust has made.
Marking its 40th Anniversary in 2026, Rainbow Trust supports families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. It pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who provides practical and emotional support for as long as it is needed.
Emily’s mum Laura said Emily really looks forward to having her nails painted and that it brings her happiness.
“Emily loves having her nails done,” Laura said.
“Emily has them done every six weeks, that is her thing that she loves. It is one of the only things she feels she has control over. She loves to pick a different colour or design each month and will get them painted to suit each season. Emily loves all the compliments she gets about her nails and loves to show them off.”
When Emily was five, she was diagnosed with demyelinating neuropathy, a neurological disorder causing progressive weakness. It has been incredibly tough for her family watching her reach milestones, only to lose them again.
Family Support Worker Michelle has been supporting Emily’s family, from Southampton, since June 2022. Michelle has helped mum Laura feel less isolated, enabled dad Ben to continue working as he knows that Laura has Michelle to help. Michelle has also made a huge difference to Emily’s siblings Oliver and Caitlin, enabling them to remain in school and grow in confidence.
Laura said: “I really think I would be in the ground if I didn’t have the support from Rainbow Trust.”
Little Alexander, from Ashington, near Newcastle died aged two of a neurological disorder in December 2024. Family Support Worker Jaimie, from Rainbow Trust’s North East Care team, provided pre-bereavement support for the family and is now helping mum Emma and Alexander’s sister Bella keep Alexander’s memory alive.
Emma said: “If I could describe in one word the impact Rainbow Trust has had on our lives, it would be RELIEF.”
Layla’s mum Clara, from Blackburn thought Layla was going to die after she was born prematurely and needed resuscitation for 17 minutes. Family Support Worker Brodie, from Rainbow Trust’s Kentown Care team, covering Lancashire and Cumbria, takes them to vital hospital appointments and keeps Layla occupied so mum can listen to doctors.
Clara said: “Family Support Worker Brodie has ensured we didn’t have to struggle alone.”
Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust, urged people to watch the Impact Report and hear their stories.
“From the moment families open their door to Rainbow Trust, we will stand alongside them in the darkest and most uncertain times of their lives, as we have been doing for the last 40 years. Please watch our Impact Report and see the difference a knock on the door makes. Thank you for opening your door to Rainbow Trust.”
