About RMH Charities

Many sick children are now treated in specialist NHS hospitals distant from their homes, as specialist medical treatments are increasingly provided from regional or national centres of excellence.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity which aims to provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to enable families to stay close to their child and maintain a degree of normal family life.

The charity has achieved a great deal in the last 25 years. Fourteen Ronald McDonald Houses have been built which support over 6,000 families a year.

The charity’s biggest source of income comes from the collection boxes in McDonald’s restaurants, through which customers give millions of pounds each year. In addition, McDonald’s employees and suppliers support the charity by organising fundraising events and donating their personal time. The company and its franchisees also make a generous yearly donation to the charity from their profits.

Jon Haward, Director of RMHC says: “Having a child admitted into hospital is every parent’s worst nightmare. Ronald McDonald Houses provide support for families at this difficult time, enabling them not only to stay together, but also to share their experiences with other families going through the same thing.”

Referral

Families are referred to the House via the Trust’s Neonatal ward or children’s ward manager or deputy manager. Once a referral has been accepted by the House manager, parents must complete a registration form and agree to comply with the house guidelines.