Eastbourne Airbourne People’s Charity of the Year - Ronald McDonald House, Brighton

Three have been put forward and the winner will receive a share of the bucket collection during the four day airshow.

One is the Ronald McDonald House charity.

More than 160 families from Eastbourne with poorly babies and children have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Brighton over the last 10 years.

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in specialist hospitals.

A charity spokesperson said, “Our11 houses across the UK enable families to stay close to their child and maintain a degree of a normal life during a difficult time.”

“Ronald McDonald House Brighton provides 18 en-suite bedrooms for families with children being treated at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital Trevor Mann Baby Unit. With comfortable bedrooms and kitchens to cook family meals, our houses provide much-needed normality. Communal lounges and quiet spaces give families a refuge away from hectic wards while play areas give siblings an area to play together.

“Over the last ten years, the Brighton House has accommodated more than 2,000 families – 162 of which came from the Eastbourne area. A further 93 families from the Eastbourne area were accommodated at our Camberwell, Evelina London, Southampton, Tooting or Birmingham houses.

“Often, the best medical care isn’t close to home and some families have to travel many miles a day just to be at their child’s bedside. Having somewhere to stay can be a lifesaver, helping families cut down on travel and accommodation costs.

“We believe every family deserves to stay together and will continue our mission to ensure every specialist children’s hospital in the UK has free, homely and supportive accommodation for families.”

Eastbourne mothers Emma Bradbury and Katie Powell have both stayed with their families in the Brighton House while their poorly children were in hospital.

Emma said, “The Brighton House literally became our home. When you’re in such a bad part of your life, this home becomes your security net.”

Katie said, “ Ronald McDonald House Charities in every way take the pressure off you. You don’t have to worry about where you’re staying or how much it is going to cost.”

For further information visit www.rmhc.org.uk