Neil Swan, chief executive of Starlight receives a cheque from David Kaplan, corporate partner at Keelys LLP and Surjit Rai, chief executive of Rushcliffe Care

Rushcliffe Care Limited of Loughborough has linked with its solicitors Keelys LLP in Derby to provide a donation of just under nine thousand pounds for children with terminal and serious illnesses.

The money is going to Starlight Children's Foundation, the charity which grants wishes-of-a-lifetime to very ill children and also provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices to help take children’s minds off the pain, fear and isolation caused by their illness.

Corporate partner David Kaplan who heads up the firm’s new Derby office and Surjit Rai, chief executive of Rushcliffe Care – one of the UK’s fastest growing providers of nursing homes and adult specialist care - have donated £8,950 to answer the wishes of ten seriously ill children. Projects to be funded include one five year old girl wanting to be a zookeeper for a day at Longleat Safari Park, a young person taking driving lessons and a young boy’s request for Play Station 3 with a good supply of cool games.

Mr Rai and Mr Kaplan committed to the donation at a charity Salon Prive event in July 2008 at which TV personality Chris Evans was present. Starlight was the chosen charity of the event.

Mr Rai and Mr Kaplan presented the cheque to Neil Swan, chief executive of Starlight. Receiving it, Mr Swan said:

“This very generous donation from Keelys and Rushcliffe will be hugely helpful in granting the wishes of some very seriously ill children and young people suffering from conditions such as cancer, leukaemia and cystic fibrosis. This money will provide an unforgettable and life changing experience for them and one which will enrich their lives.”

David Kaplan and Surjit Rai added:

“We are delighted to be able to help these children to fulfil their wishes and hope that we will be able to support Starlight in the future.”

Starlight began in 1987, helping just 4 children. This year, it will help over 500,000 hospitalised children all over the UK. For more information or to nominate a seriously ill child to have their wishes granted, visit the web site: www.starlight.org.uk.