Mystery donor funds holiday for 80

Eighty bereaved families who have lost children to illness are to be treated to the holiday of a lifetime in New York by a mystery benefactor.

The dream trip is for those whose children were cared for at Acorns Children's Hospice, Walsall. Among them is Irene Chand, whose five-year-old daughter Kelsey lost her fight against a rare genetic disorder three years ago.

Along with husband Sid, aged 44, and daughter Elissia, aged 10, she will join the group on the trip which sets off tomorrow.

Mrs Chand, aged 37, is a learning support worker Walsall Adult and Community College, in Hawbush Road, Leamore.

She said the trip will be filled with mixed emotions.

"I'm not the only mum to have lost a child.

"Everyone on the trip to New York has lost someone and it will be a bitter sweet thing," Mrs Chand said.

While in New York the families, whose children were cared for at hospices in Walsall, Birmingham and Worcester, will take part in a packed itinerary of activities including a trip on the River Hudson on a private yacht.

"At five months Kelsey was diagnosed with a life limiting illness, Miller-Dieker syndrome," said Mrs Chand.

"It was hard and for six years I was an intensive care mum. Kelsey was epileptic, couldn't speak or feed herself and was quadriplegic."

"I've had an amazing experience with my daughter. I believe she was sent to us for some reason," she added.

Mrs Chand, of Wednesfield, said family andfriends have raised £9,000 for the charity since Kelsey's death.

Mr Chand, director of Summit Electrical, in Croxtalls Close, Walsall, is due to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge later this year.

Acorns Trust spokeswoman Melanie Hinds said the charity was delighted by the generosity of the donor.

"From time to time we get an opportunity to do something amazing for some of our bereaved families."