MERKUR Donation Brings Ripples of Compassion Support to £3,225

_{A generous donation from MERKUR. (Image: dpa picture alliance/Alamy)}

A Bristol charity that supports families affected by childhood cancer and child bereavement has received an additional £1,200 from MERKUR, taking the company’s total support to £3,225. The funding will help Ripples of Compassion expand therapy, memorial support, and practical wellbeing resources for families facing crisis.  

Founded by Fiona Corless in memory of her daughter, Ripley Olive Corless, Ripples of Compassion was set up in December 2018 and later became a registered charity in September 2019. The organisation works with hospitals, hospices, and other charities to support children with cancer, bereaved parents, siblings, and families living with life-limiting conditions.

The latest funding matters because demand for this kind of support remains significant. Cancer Research UK says around 1,900 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, while charities including CCLG and Children with Cancer UK publish similar annual incidence figures. 

Extra Funding Targets Therapy and Family Support

MERKUR who offer a range of land based and online casino facilities said the extra £1,200 will help Ripples of Compassion continue providing self-care resources for grieving families, comfort items, memorial support, and new wellbeing tools such as relaxation cards and soft toys. The charity also said the money will help maintain its bereavement therapy service, including support for families who are struggling financially or are stuck on waiting lists. 

Fiona Corless, founder and chair of Ripples of Compassion, said: 

“We are so grateful for the additional donation made by MERKUR. Their continued support means that we not only can meet the growing needs of those families and children that are facing the hardest moments of their lives, but also, we can strengthen our mission.”

She added: “The support from MERKUR does not just provide resources, it gives those affected the space to feel seen, heal, and ultimately know that they are not alone. Every box, every toy, and every therapy session are critical to providing a little glimmer of light to families during their darkest of times. MERKUR’s extra funding will ensure that we can continue to make 2026 a year of hope and healing.”  

MERKUR Says Community Programme is Built for Local Impact

The donation was made through the MERKUR Community programme, which the company says is funded by MERKUR and voluntary customer donations from venues across the UK. According to MERKUR’s published announcement, the programme has donated £323,773.67 and supported 150 community groups and charities nationwide. 

Mark Schertle, identified by MERKUR and UK corporate records as chief operating officer of MERKUR Casino UK, said: 

“At MERKUR, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, particularly by supporting those facing some of life’s most difficult moments.”

He added: “Ripples of Compassion offers an essential service to families experiencing unimaginable grief and loss, providing both emotional and practical guidance when it is needed most. Their work delivers genuine, meaningful support that truly impacts people’s lives, and we are proud that our additional donation will help them maintain their resources and mission.”