AN organisation has been launched to support children when a parent or carer has a terminal illness.

Gunners Kids CIC aims to enable families to create lasting memories with their loved ones by offering activities, workshops, information and peer support in a safe, understanding and welcoming environment.

The group was set up in memory of St Austell man Chris Gunner, who died in April at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice after a three-year battle with bowel cancer.

His widow, Tamsin Chapman-Gunner is the co-founder and director of Gunners Kids CIC; their children Alex, Amber and Oliver were 13, eight and five when Chris was diagnosed.

“When Chris was ill, we noticed there was no real support in Cornwall for families during the ‘anticipatory grief’ period,” said Tamsin. “When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, both the individual and their loved ones experience grief and loss, even before the person passes away. This can persist for days, weeks, months and even years, depending on the duration of the illness.

“Anticipatory grief can provoke intense emotions, especially in children, often leaving them shocked, confused, frightened and worried.”

Gunners Kids, she said, would be Chris’ legacy. “It was his vision to create something to support families in the same situation as us. Unfortunately, he passed before we were able to make it happen, so we are continuing his project in his memory.”

The charity is based in St Austell but covers the whole of Cornwall, and is already accepting referrals and providing advice to families. It is also collaborating with end-of-life charities including Penhaligon’s Friends, The Cove and Mount Edgcumbe Hospice.

Gunners Kids CIC currently offers an online support forum, with plans to offer activity days, workshops and information sessions from February next year.

The organisation is accepting donations via its Crowdfunder page, and monthly direct debits through GivenGain. It also has an Amazon wishlist for items to fill children’s support boxes.

Families can register for help via a form which can be found on the Gunners Kids Facebook page or by emailing [email protected]

A website will soon be available at www.gunnerskids.org