Imagine This | Supporting Children's Health

Imagine This

Category: News

  • Heartbreak to Hope: We’ve rebranded to Imagine This to Transform Mental Health Support for Seriously Ill Children and Their Families Across the UK

    Heartbreak to Hope: We’ve rebranded to Imagine This to Transform Mental Health Support for Seriously Ill Children and Their Families Across the UK

    A New Name. A National Mission. The Same Passion.

    We are proud to announce that The Murray Parish Trust has rebranded to Imagine This.  A new name that marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in our story, and a bold step forward in our mission to support the mental wellbeing of every seriously ill child and their families across the UK.

    Why Imagine This?

    This isn’t just a new name, it’s a new invitation. Imagine This is about empathy and possibility, a reflection of the daily challenges faced by seriously ill children and their families, and a call to reimagine what meaningful support can look like. We deliver imaginative, diverse and impactful projects, helping families cope with the emotional and psychological toll of serious illness

    Right now in the UK, there are over one million seriously ill children. These children and their families are far more likely to experience anxiety, depression and trauma, yet the emotional support available to them is limited.

    • Nearly 1 in 5 seriously ill children live with anxiety
    • 1 in 7 experience depression
    • 1 in 4 mothers of seriously ill children suffer from anxiety or depression
    • Fathers often report suffering in silence

    The strong focus is on medical treatment and their mental wellbeing is often left behind. The impact on the mental wellbeing of the wider family is also clear, parents and siblings often receive no support. Many parents need to give up work to care for their child – adding to the emotional strain. Many siblings play an active part in the care of their brother or sister.

    Co-founder Sarah Parish MBE explains:

         “Imagine being told your child has a serious illness, and trying to hold your family together while navigating a world focused almost entirely on their medical care.  We know that trauma firsthand, and we know how much more support families need. Without early, meaningful support, the impact on children and their families mental health can last a lifetime. That’s why Imagine This exists: to help ensure no child or family faces the emotional toll of serious illness alone. Our vision is for every seriously ill child and their family to have access to the kind of imaginative, empowering support that helps them navigate their journey with connection, resilience, and hope. This new identity marks our commitment to every one of these children and their families.”

    Co-founder Jim Murray MBE says:

    “This isn’t just a name change.  It’s the beginning of a bold, nationwide movement to transform how we support the mental well-being of seriously ill children and their families living through the unimaginable. Our ambition is clear: by 2035, we aim to reach every seriously ill child in the UK bringing imaginative and innovative projects to children in hospitals, hospices, and communities across the UK. Imagine This is the only UK charity solely dedicated to this urgent need and we’re just getting started.”

    Thank you for standing with us. Let’s build a future together where no seriously ill child and their family faces the unimaginable without the support they need.

  • Sarah Parish and Jim Murray Awarded MBEs for Services to Charity

    Sarah Parish and Jim Murray Awarded MBEs for Services to Charity

    We are delighted to announce that our co-founders, Sarah Parish and Jim Murray, have been awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to charity and dedication to improving children’s healthcare.

    This recognition honours over a decade of passionate work through The Murray Parish Trust, which Sarah and Jim founded in memory of their daughter, Ella-Jayne who died at just 8 months old. Since the charity’s beginning, they have shown incredible commitment to supporting seriously ill children and their families through fundraising, advocacy, and tireless campaigning.

    Their vision has helped bring much-needed support and innovation to children’s health services across the South of England. From championing hospital projects to raising awareness about the urgent needs in paediatric care, Sarah and Jim have been at the heart of every initiative, using their voices and energy to bring people together and create real, lasting change.

    Reflecting on the honour, Sarah and Jim said:

    “We are deeply touched and humbled to receive this recognition. The work we do through The Murray Parish Trust is incredibly close to our hearts, and we are so proud of the difference it’s making to children’s lives. This MBE is not just for us – it belongs to every single supporter, donor, partner and volunteer who has walked this journey with us. We couldn’t do it without you.”

    Their leadership and compassion have inspired countless individuals and organisations to get involved and make a difference, creating a powerful community of people who all care for the wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families.

  • Positivity in Motion: Help bring the power of movement, mindfulness, and music to Seriously Ill Children

    Positivity in Motion: Help bring the power of movement, mindfulness, and music to Seriously Ill Children

    Childhood should be a time of joy and exploration, but for children facing serious illnesses, it is often overshadowed by hospital stays, medical treatments, and overwhelming challenges. These children are three times more likely to struggle with mental health issues, grappling with anxiety, depression, and trauma caused by the realities of their conditions.

    We believe every child deserves the chance to smile, feel empowered, and create positive memories, even in the most difficult circumstances. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce an innovative collaboration with Synergy Dance Outreach to bring a year-long programme of dance and yoga to children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, launching in Summer 2025.

    Transforming Lives Through Movement

    We need to raise £70,000 so that we can deliver inclusive and tailored sessions designed to bring joy and healing to children with complex medical needs. These sessions will include:

    • Dance, yoga, music, and relaxation techniques: Adapted to each child’s medical needs and abilities.
    • On-demand video access: Allowing children to participate from home or when they can’t attend sessions.

    Expert guidance: Led by practitioners experienced in working with children with serious illnesses and special educational needs.

    Reaching the Most Vulnerable

    The impact of this programme will extend to children who usually are not able to access any enrichment activities in hospital, including:

    • Intensive and high dependency care units at Evelina London, providing enrichment in areas where children typically receive little to no access to similar activities.
    • Cancer, rheumatology, and mental health wards at GOSH, offering support to children facing long-term challenges.
    • Children with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and painful condition causing fragile skin and tissues.

    This project breaks new ground, bringing light and joy into some of the most high-intensity care settings in the UK.

    The Science Behind the Programme

    Dance and yoga have proven benefits for both mental and physical health, including:

    • Releasing endorphins to boost mood and reduce stress.
    • Building confidence, resilience, and strength.
    • Offering children a sense of normality, joy, and hope during their hospital stays.

    Through this project, we aim to dramatically improve the wellbeing of these children, ensuring they have the tools to face their challenges and thrive beyond their hospital experiences.

    Join Us in Making a Difference

    We need your support to make this life-changing programme a reality. Help us raise £70,000 so that we can bring joy, healing, and resilience to children during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Together, we can ensure these children experience moments of happiness and hope when they need it most.

    Donate Now to support this transformative project.

    Let’s bring light, movement, and joy to children who deserve it the most. Thank you for standing with us!

  • Groundbreaking Intra-Operative MRI scanner transforms care for seriously ill children at University Hospital Southampton

    Groundbreaking Intra-Operative MRI scanner transforms care for seriously ill children at University Hospital Southampton

    We are proud to announce that a state-of-the-artIntra-Operative MRI (iMRI) scanner is now operational at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), revolutionising paediatric neurosurgery and transforming outcomes for seriously ill children.

    The fundraising campaign was first suggested by neurosurgeons at Southampton Children’s Hospital and has been delivered in a partnership between University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the Murray Parish Trust.

    An Intra-Operative MRI scanner provides detailed imaging in a room attached to the operating theatre during surgery for patients with brain tumours and other life-threatening neurological conditions. This ground-breaking scanner represents a significant leap forward in surgical precision at Southampton and is already making a profound difference to patients and their families.

    Each year, Southampton Children’s Hospital performs life-saving brain surgery on approximately 200 children and there are also many adult patients treated within Wessex Neurological Centre at UHS. Previously, transporting a patient to a different part of the hospital was the only option if a detailed MRI scan was required during their surgery. This can now be done in an adjoining room in real time.

    Precision is crucial to get the best possible outcome from surgery for any patient with a serious neurological condition such as brain cancer; avoiding moving patients during their surgery between departments reduces complications and the need for further surgery.

    With this new addition, thanks to your support, University Hospital Southampton joins a small group of UK hospitals equipped with intra-operative MRI technology, and takes a major step forward in offering the best possible care to children and families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

  • Rocking Relief: Gaming Carts Bring Joy to Queen Alexandra Hospital

    Rocking Relief: Gaming Carts Bring Joy to Queen Alexandra Hospital

    We are excited to share the highlights of our recent visit to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, where we witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of the new RockinR Gaming Carts—funded with the generous support of Darren Cooper and the Peter Cooper Motor Group.

    During our visit, we met with hospital staff and observed how these gaming carts are already making a difference in the Children’s Emergency Ward. Designed to provide a much-needed distraction and comfort, the RockinR Gaming Carts offer young patients an engaging way to cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompany hospital visits. The carts create a fun, interactive environment that not only lifts spirits but also helps children feel a sense of normality amid their challenging circumstances.

    Darren Cooper from the Peter Cooper Motor Group was on hand to discuss the project and share his enthusiasm for supporting initiatives that improve the hospital experience for children and their families. His commitment to this cause is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that corporate support can have on transforming lives.


    We extend our heartfelt thanks to Darren and the entire team at Peter Cooper Motor Group for their generous contribution. Their support has been instrumental in making these life-enhancing gaming carts a reality, providing moments of joy and relief to children when they need it most.

    We are dedicated to ensuring that seriously ill children receive not only the best medical care but also the emotional support they need. Innovations like the RockinR Gaming Carts are a testament to how creative solutions can bring comfort, spark joy, and build resilience in young patients.

    Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we’re making a difference—one smile at a time.

  • The Power of Drama Therapy: Family Case Study from Noah’s Ark

    The Power of Drama Therapy: Family Case Study from Noah’s Ark


    We are proud to support life-changing initiatives like drama therapy, which provides a safe space for children and their families to navigate the emotional challenges of life-limiting conditions. Through our funding of 300 drama therapy sessions at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, we aim to ensure that more families experience the profound impact of this creative and therapeutic approach.

    One family that has benefitted from these services is Christina, Jack, and their two sons, Arthur and Joseph. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of drama therapy in helping families find resilience during difficult times.


    Arthur’s Journey: Finding Joy in Creative Therapy

    Arthur was born in February 2023 with severe Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and his early days were filled with uncertainty and fear. Initially given a devastating prognosis, Arthur’s condition improved, and by May 2023, his care pathway was reassessed. Throughout his journey, Noah’s Ark provided vital support, including music therapy, baby massage, and ‘Tunes and Tales,’ a group drama therapy session for young children led by Pasha, Noah’s Ark’s Drama and Movement Therapist.

    Christina described how Arthur thrived in the ‘Tunes and Tales’ sessions, responding to the group’s routine and finding joy in being around other children. “Arthur loves being around other children, and you can tell he notices when others are there. Even with his neurological challenges, he recognizes patterns to some extent, and the routine of the group has been so beneficial.”


    Joseph’s Story: Building Confidence and Emotional Resilience

    Arthur’s older brother, Joseph, aged nine, also experienced the profound benefits of drama therapy. Navigating the emotional toll of his brother’s condition, Joseph had become withdrawn and struggled to express his feelings. Christina noted, “Joseph was extremely introverted. At school, he would put up a front, telling everyone he was okay, but at home, he was angry and upset.”

    Drama therapy became a turning point for Joseph. In his weekly sessions with Pasha, he found a safe space to explore his emotions through play, movement, and metaphor. Pasha’s approach allowed Joseph to process his feelings in ways that felt natural and non-confrontational. Christina explained, “Dramatherapy made it much easier for him to talk. It was his outlet, and he loved the tactile and playful elements of the therapy.”

    The impact of these sessions was life-changing. Joseph began opening up to his teachers, sharing concerns about his brother’s hospital visits and verbalizing his worries. “His school noticed a real change,” Christina shared. “Dramatherapy gave him the tools to tackle overwhelming emotions in a way that talking alone couldn’t achieve.”


    Why Drama Therapy Matters

    Drama therapy offers children like Joseph a unique way to process emotions, using storytelling, role-play, and movement to navigate difficult feelings. Pasha explains, “It’s a rehearsal space for life—a secure place where children can get things wrong, struggle, and practice difficult situations. It allows them to explore different parts of themselves in a way that’s safe and helpful.”

    For siblings of children with life-limiting conditions, the emotional impact can be profound. Pasha notes, “Siblings often feel guilt, anger, or frustration as their home life is transformed by medical equipment and professionals. Drama therapy provides them with permission to explore these complicated emotions and express them safely.”

    Join Us in Supporting More Families Like Joseph’s

    Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, The Murray Parish Trust is funding 300 drama therapy sessions at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, ensuring more children and families have access to this vital resource.

    Your donations help us bring joy, resilience, and healing to families facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we can continue to fund projects that transform lives.

  • Assistant Clinical Psychologist Now in Post at Southampton Children’s Hospital

    Assistant Clinical Psychologist Now in Post at Southampton Children’s Hospital

    We’re thrilled to share the news that the Assistant Clinical Psychologist role, which we have proudly helped to fund at Southampton Children’s Hospital, has been successfully appointed. This vital position is already making a profound impact on the lives of young patients and their families, offering much-needed mental health support during some of their most challenging times.

    Children facing serious illnesses often endure not just physical hardship but emotional and psychological struggles that can shape their long-term well-being. Addressing these challenges early is critical, and the Assistant Clinical Psychologist is playing an essential role in supporting children and their families as they navigate the complex world of treatment and recovery.

    The Difference This Role is Making

    In their short time in post, the Assistant Clinical Psychologist has already:

    • Provided emotional support to young patients coping with the anxiety and fear of medical procedures.
    • Helped families manage the mental health impacts of caring for a seriously ill child, offering guidance and coping strategies.
    • Collaborated with medical teams to ensure that psychological care is integrated into overall treatment plans.

    These interventions have not only eased immediate stresses but are helping to prevent more severe mental health challenges in the future.

    Your Support in Action

    This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of our supporters. Together, we have taken a crucial step toward enhancing mental health care for young people facing life’s toughest battles.

    However, there is still more to be done. Across the UK, the demand for mental health support within children’s hospitals continues to grow. By investing in roles like this, we can ensure more children and families receive the care they so desperately need.

  • Sarah Parish and James Murray Awarded MBEs in 2025 New Year’s Honours List

    Sarah Parish and James Murray Awarded MBEs in 2025 New Year’s Honours List

    We’re delighted to share the wonderful news that our co-founders, Sarah Parish and James Murray, have been awarded MBEs in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List. This prestigious recognition celebrates their remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of seriously ill children and their families across the UK.

    Over the past decade, Sarah and Jim have spearheaded the charity, turning an incredibly personal journey into a mission that has made a huge difference in the world of children’s healthcare. Through their vision and determination, they have rallied support for vital projects that enhance medical care, provide life-changing resources, and create opportunities for children facing serious illnesses to thrive. In response to receiving this honour, Sarah & Jim shared:

    “We are deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to be recognized in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List. Founding The Murray Parish Trust ten years ago was born from a deeply personal journey, and it has been a privilege to see the impact we’ve been able to make together with our supporters, partners, and the amazing communities we serve. This honour is not just for us—it’s for everyone who has stood by our mission to create brighter futures for seriously ill children and their families. Thank you for believing in what we do and for helping us make a difference.”

    Their tireless efforts have led to groundbreaking advancements, from equipping hospitals with essential tools like state-of-the-art technology to funding mental health support for children and their families. With the help of our incredible supporters, we continue to build a legacy of hope, resilience and care.

    As we celebrate this milestone, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and with Sarah and Jim’s inspiring leadership, we look forward to continuing our mission to create brighter futures.

    Congratulations, Sarah and Jim, on this well-deserved recognition!

  • The Murray Parish Trust 10th Anniversary Celebrations Raise £27,000

    The Murray Parish Trust 10th Anniversary Celebrations Raise £27,000

    We are thrilled to announce that our 10th Anniversary events, Golf & Gourmet and Sip & Soirée, raised a remarkable combined total of £27,000! These vital funds will go directly toward supporting mental health projects for seriously ill children and their families, helping to provide much-needed care and resources during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

    We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible sponsors who made this achievement possible. A special thank you to Pangea Insurance, Peter Cooper Motor Group, and Ideal Collection for their generous support.

    We were delighted to have Gaby Roslin as our wonderful evening host, guiding us through a magical celebration at Goodwood House. We’d also like to thank all of our celebrity golf players, including Matt Lapinskas and Alistair Petrie, for making the Golf Day an extra special experience for everyone involved.

    The atmosphere of the evening was beautifully set by the talented Duo Guitar Music, and we were entertained by the hilarious Preet Singh. We also want to recognise photographers Craig Hobbs and Kate Hunter for capturing the stunning moments throughout the day and night.

    Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported us in making these events a success. Your contributions will make a significant impact on the mental health of children in hospitals across the UK.

    We look forward to continuing this journey with all of you as we work together to provide vital care and support to those who need it most.

  • Sensory Projectors Now Bringing Comfort to Young Patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital PICU

    Sensory Projectors Now Bringing Comfort to Young Patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital PICU

    We are thrilled to announce that the sensory projectors funded by The Murray Parish Trust for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital are now in use, providing a calming and comforting environment for seriously ill children and their families.

    One of the young patients benefiting from this equipment is baby Luca, who has been in PICU for around three months. Luca is drawn to the soothing lights projected onto the ceiling above him, often turning toward the calming display. These moments of comfort are invaluable, especially in such a high-pressure environment. What’s more, Luca’s mum has also found solace in the gentle light while cuddling with her son, as it offers a sense of peace amidst the sometimes busy and noisy surroundings.

    The introduction of these sensory projectors is already having a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of patients and their families. This equipment not only helps to alleviate stress for the young patients but also creates a more relaxing environment for their loved ones during difficult times.

    We are incredibly proud of the difference this project is making, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our amazing supporters. Together, we are transforming the healthcare experience for seriously ill children and their families, one project at a time.

    If you’d like to help us fund more projects like this, please consider making a donation today. Your support will go a long way in helping us continue to improve the lives of children in need.

    Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!