The Coyle family are raising £6,000 to keep the doors of hope open at Stanton Healthcare NI

Dear friend of Precious Life,

We are delighted to inform you that we, the Coyle family, will be fasting in aid of Northern Ireland’s only full-time pregnancy care centre, Stanton Healthcare Northern Ireland. The six of us will be completing a 24 hour fast, lasting from Thursday 4th June at 7pm to Friday 5th June at 7pm.

All proceeds raised from our fast will help to keep the doors of hope open at Stanton Healthcare Northern Ireland.

Stanton Healthcare stands by the principle that ‘every woman has an inherent right to embrace motherhood’. This amazing organisation provides the best care and practical support that a woman needs to overcome any obstacle that stands in the way of her ‘choosing life’ for her little baby. Stanton work to provide everything that is needed for a woman and her child - not just for the 9 months of pregnancy - but for as long as they need it, plus all of their services are provided to their clients free of charge.

Stanton recognises that every unborn child, from the moment of conception, and by virtue of his or her humanity, has an innate dignity and immeasurable value which ground his or her right to life. Their vision is to make the womb a safer place, by making Stanton Healthcare ‘the first choice’ for women with unplanned pregnancies. And they do this by providing practical support and compassionate alternatives to abortion.

The mission of Stanton healthcare is to empower and equip women who find themselves with unexpected pregnancies, giving them all the information and support they need to help them choose life for their babies. This very unique service includes free pregnancy tests; life affirming care; emotional and practical support; free ultrasound scans of their developing babies; mother and baby care packages; home visits; emergency housing, and much more.

But the repercussions of the COVID 19 crisis, along with an increase in demand for the services provided, mean that Stanton is in urgent need of financial help and support to keep going.

Since the coronavirus nationwide lockdown, the Stanton fundraising team has had to cancel all their fundraising events for this year. This decision has sadly placed the future of this life-saving centre in serious jeopardy. At this present moment Stanton doesn't receive any government support, so without our help they may be forced to close their doors!

Having been speaking to some of Stanton's Helpline advisers, it's clear that this situation is having a considerable impact on pregnant women. We hear how distressed and frightened some mothers are. Many are struggling with loneliness and isolation, feeling anxious and worried about continuing with their pregnancy at this difficult time.

Keeping Stanton NI helpline is absolutely critical to help pregnant mothers stay safe, connected, and able to get the support they need during this crisis. We simply can't let a single call go unanswered.

The proceeds of our family fast will help Stanton keep the doors of hope open; answer calls from distressed and anxious women; book and pay for ultrasounds; and provide a lifeline to the mothers and babies who need help. Stanton NI have already extended their helpline opening hours to offer a 24-hour service, but for Stanton to be able to answer every call and provide the follow-up support, they need your help today.

Any gift donated to sponsor our family fast will help more pregnant women choose life for their unborn children, and will help more pregnant and new mothers stay safe, connected and supported throughout this crisis and beyond. Stanton's helpline has never been more needed than right now - and neither has your support.

You can make a donation at our JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/supportstantonhealthcareni

We appreciate that you will have been affected by this crisis in some way, but I hope that you can agree that working together, we can give abortion-vulnerable women the support they need to choose life.

We thank you in advance for your kindness, and wish you and your family well,

Michelle, Caroline, Sean, Ciara, David and Terri