One of my first thoughts when deciding to set up Sycha Slings, was that this could be a great way that I could do more to support various charities, especially those particularly close to my heart. I had a think about how best to achieve this and decided that Sycha Slings would donate 5% of the sales price of all wraps and ring slings sold by us to charity. Each colourway of each design has a specific charity associated with it, so you know exactly where your contribution will be going, and this allows Sycha Slings to support multiple charities. I chose this method so that we are always working on supporting these charities in the important work they do. So, if you spend £100 on a wrap or ring sling from Sycha Slings, £5 will go to that design/colourway’s designated charity.
Sycha Slings is initially launching with four designs, each available in two colourways, so will be supporting eight different charities with these first releases. See below for details of the design and colourway names and their associated charities.
Space Bears Starlit Pulsar – in support of PANDAS
PANDAS Foundation provides advice and suppot to UK families suffering prenatal/antenatal and postnatal illnesses. Having suffered both antenatal and postnatal depression myself, I understand how devastating these illnesses can be and how vital support such as that offered by PANDAS is.
PANDAS Charity number 1149485
Space Bears Sunlit Pulsar – in support of Cancer Research UK
Many of us have been affected by cancer, or seen our families and friends go through treatments and suffering. Cancer Research UK is working to find cures and better treatment options for a variety of different cancers.
Cancer Research UK Charity number 1089464 (England and Wales)
Retrobots Spring Sky – in support of Tommy’s
Tommy’s fund research into the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications that lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide pregnancy health information to parents. One in four women lose a baby during pregnancy and birth and Tommy’s are working hard to change this. We have suffered several miscarriages ourselves as well as complicated pregnancies, as have many others we know, which is why Sycha Slings is supporting Tommy’s in their mission to save babies’ lives.
Tommy’s Charity number 1060508 (England and Wales)
Retrobots Autumn Sky – in support of the ME Association
ME/CFS can be an extremely debilitating illness, that can leave sufferers bed bound for many years. It is still poorly understood and has a wide range of symptoms, affecting each sufferer differently from day to day. I have personal experience of the effects of ME/CFS, having been severely affeted for all of my teenage years, as well as a more recent relapse. The ME Association funds and supports research and provides information and support, education and training.
ME Association Charity number 801279
Prehistoric Spring Sky – in support of POTS UK
POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a poorly understood condition caused by an abnormality of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Patients experience symptoms including headaches, fatigue, palpitations, sweating, nausea, fainting and dizziness, associated with a sustained and abnormal increase in heart rate when the patient goes from a lying to an upright position. It can be an extremley debilitating and life altering condition, and in severe cases can leave the sufferer bed bound. POTS UK aims to support individuals with POTS, and to educate family, friends and medical professionals within the UK to this widely unknown and misdiagnosed condition. I myself have suffered a severe episode during pregnancy (a common trigger due to pregnancy hormones), which left me bed/sofa bound for 9 weeks until I could start medication, which is now allowing me to sit up for short periods and go on short walks on good days. In hindsight I have had life altering POTS symptoms for at least twenty years, which have gone undiagnosed.
POTS UK Charity number 1159813
Prehistoric Autumn Sky – in support of BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support)
BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support) supports babies and their families in the special care baby unit (Buscot Ward) at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, UK. BIBS funds a professional family support practitioner, operates parent support sessions run by volunteer former Buscot parents, and manages and refurbishes parent and family facilities on the ward. BIBS also fundraises to help supply the latest technology and equipment that aids in the care and development of babies on Buscot Ward. The Royal Berkshire Hospital and all the staff within, have done an amazing job of looking after us all through both our pregnancies, and especially through a complicated labour, and that’s why I’ve selected BIBS for Sycha Slings support.
BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support) Charity number 297821
Frogs Spring Sky – in support of the Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are devastating for both the patient, and for all those around them. Having experienced this first hand with several family members I know what a horrible effect these diseases can have on all those involved. The Alzheimer’s Society believes that life doesn’t end when dementia begins, and they provide support for anyone affected by dementia, aiming to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people close to them. They fund research into dementia and treatment options, and campaign to raise awareness.
Alzheimer’s Society Charity number 296645
Frogs Autumn Sky – in support of The Living Rainforest (Trust for Sustainable Living)
The Living Rainforest is a visitor centre local to ourselves, run by the Trust for Sustainable Living. Their aim is to further the understanding of sustainable living in the UK and abroad through education. Visitors experience being in a rainforest environment, with a strong emphasis on educating visitors of all ages about how the future of tropical rainforests and other ecosystems is closely connected to human lives and lifestyles. The Living Rainforest is one of my favourite places to visit and has been for well over a decade, and is now becoming a favourite with Reu (our son), as well.
The Living Rainforest Charity number 1085057 (Trust for Sustainable Living)
All donations will be made each year after the end of the financial year.