THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has announced that Daisy’s Dream has been selected as its next Charity of the Year for 2025/26, following a vote by University staff.
Daisy’s Dream provides vital support to children, young people and their families in Berkshire who have experienced bereavement or are preparing for loss.
Dedicated teams ensure that each family receives individually tailored support through the toughest of times.
Daisy’s Dream will engage with and be supported by the University in a variety of ways throughout the next academic year – starting in September. The University will begin conversations with the charity over the summer period, in order to start mapping out what activity will take place throughout the year.
A total of 47 applications were received for this year’s Charity of the Year scheme, each aiming to succeed Rainbow Trust.
University staff had the opportunity to vote on a shortlist of five charities that are active and supporting people and communities in the Thames Valley area.
The criteria for shortlisting included: considering the charity’s alignment to the University’s charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research for public benefit; the benefits to the charity, its beneficiaries and the local community; the benefit to the University; and the overall quality of the application.
Daisy’s Dream will succeed Rainbow Trust, who were named as the inaugural chairty of the scheme when it launched last March.
Laura Lewis, CEO of Daisy’s Dream, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the University of Reading as its Charity of the Year.
“Daisy’s Dream supports bereaved families across the region and partnerships like this really help highlight the work we do and develop our provision.
“As a local charity working in the community it always feels particularly special to have been chosen by staff and we thank everyone at the University who voted for us.
“We can’t wait to start working with you all.”
Katherine Burgess, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at Rainbow Trust, said: “We are so grateful for the University of Reading’s support and engagement over the last year.
“The money raised through this partnership will fund over 100 hours of support to families struggling to cope with the complexities that come with serious childhood illness.
“By providing fun resources for distraction and play and supporting family days out, such as the Rainbow Adventure Trail, the University enabled families to enjoy much needed time together. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “We are excited to work with Daisy’s Dream over the coming academic year and support their vital work helping bereaved families across our region.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in our local community.”
More information about Daisy’s Dream is available via: daisysdream.org.uk
