The children’s hospice for short, precious lives
When a child isn’t going to live a long life, every single day matters. Rainbows is the children’s hospice for the East Midlands, and we’re here to help families make the most of the time they have, with expert palliative and end-of-life care, and the freedom to choose how and where that care happens. At home, in hospital or at our hospice, we’re here whenever we’re needed, for families across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
Supporting families when they need us most
Right across the East Midlands, we bring specialist care to babies, children and young people at home, in hospitals, at our hospice and in local communities. Find out how our care reaches families closer to home.
We care for babies, children and young people whose lives are expected to be short, and support the whole family. Find out who we help.
We rely on the generosity of people across the East Midlands to help fund our care. From donating and fundraising to volunteering, taking part in an event or supporting one of our shops, there are so many ways to help.
Families like Lily’s need expert care and support when every moment matters.
At Rainbows, we are committed to supporting families wherever they need us. Our specialist Rainbows nurses work in local hospitals across the East Midlands, helping families make precious memories and ensuring babies, children and young people with shorter lives receive the best possible care.
Lily had Neonatal Epilepsy and died at just under six-weeks-old. Our Rainbows Nurse was there to support her family through the most difficult time.
With your support, we can be there for families from the very beginning and ensure families are not alone during the most difficult time.
Help us be there for every family
The care and love we received was unbelievable. Any time of day or night, there was a friendly face, a sympathetic ear and a much-needed hug.
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Challenges
Derby Cathedral Abseil03/10/2026
Calling all daredevils and those with a head for heights! Join us at Derby Cathedral to take on the thrilling…
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Running
Run Alton Towers14/11/2026
Join Team Rainbows at the UK’s biggest theme park for a brilliant morning of racing and rides. The Run Alton…
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Challenges
Choose the Half Marathon That’s Right for You!02/06/2026 – 01/06/2027
We’ve teamed up with Run For Charity to bring Rainbows supporters a wide range of exciting Half Marathon events across…
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News and updates from Rainbows
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Aunt straps to an aeroplane to raise funds in memory of her nieceA brave aunt will be strapped to the wing of a flying aeroplane to raise money for Rainbows in memory…