We are always humbled by the people who choose to support our Charity. Behind every donation is a personal story – some of which make us laugh, cry or are truly inspirational – and the difference our supporters make for the patients, visitors and staff of the Trust is, to put it simply, priceless.
There are also many independent charities supporting our patients, staff and communities every day along with our volunteers who do a fantastic job whether it be helping patients and visitors with way finding or selling charity merchandise in our shop and pop up.
Covid-19
2020 has been a challenging year with the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic which has impacted each and every one of us. Captain Sir Tom Moore, aged 100, proved an inspiration for many raising millions for the NHS by walking laps of his garden with his frame.
Our charity has received wonderful support from our donors and fundraisers in light of Covid-19, despite the economic challenges the community has faced. They have played a vital role in raising funds to support our staff and patients through these unprecedented times. We are incredibly grateful and in awe of the efforts from businesses and the community.
We would like to say a huge thank you to the generosity of all of our supporters who have ran, swam, baked, shaved, danced, sang, climbed, cycled and so much more to show their support for the Charity.
You are the most important part of our Charity team. Here are just a few highlights from the amazing efforts of our supporters and fundraisers.
A unique tote bag was designed by 6-year old Libby, one-year-old Aiden and Newcastle’s very own Fenwick.
The winning designs came from drawings created by children of staff from Newcastle Hospitals and took centre stage in the iconic ‘Fenwick windows’ as part of a special tribute being paid to thousands of North East hospital staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID19 pandemic.
Fenwick produced the unique tote bags to mark the launch of the one off window and he limited edition tote bags have been sold in-store and online with proceeds donated to Newcastle Hospitals Charity. You can buy one now in our online shop.
The paintings and artwork were previously displayed in the corridors of the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), the Freeman and the Great North Children’s Hospital.
Six year old Olly Doxford raisied money for our Charity by running 66 miles throughout June and July.
Olly sadly lost his Grandad Paul to bowel cancer on the 27 May and wanted to make sure his Grandad’s wish of raising money for Ward 36 at The Freeman Hospital came true.
Paul, who was a patient on the ward, received excellent care from the doctors and nurses and always spoke of how grateful he was. His wish was to donate money or essential equipment to the ward as a way of saying thank you for the care he received.
George Turnball, and ex-army worker from North Seaton, has shown his gratitude to the NHS by making a plaque for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
George made the wooden plaque to mark the significant efforts of all NHS workers in the fight against coronavirus and to show his appreciation for what the NHS has done for him and is currently doing during the pandemic.
The plaque has a thank you message engraved on them using a process known as routing. The message reads: ‘To the NHS, from cleaners to surgeons, ambulance drivers to pharmacists, porters to kitchen staff and everyone in between…thank you.’
Olly McKenna ‘Team Olly’
Olly McKenna marked the start of the year with one key ambition – to hit his dream target of raising £100,000. At age eleven, Olly was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. While undergoing surgery and treatment at The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, Olly worked with hospital staff to learn how he could support the pre-teen cancer ward, and set up the ‘Team Olly’ fund to help pre-teen cancer patients. Two years on, the fund had amassed over £88,000 through a variety of fundraising events and rallying for donations.
This year the 13-year-old held a Charity ball – aptly named ‘100k and call it a day’ – to hit his target for the fund which benefits the Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity. Now that Olly has achieved his amazing goal and intends to take a well-earned break after two incredible years of fundraising. Thank you Team Olly!
Support from independent charities
The work of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supported by many independent charities every day. The Trust is hugely grateful to these charities, and if any charity supporting the Trust has ideas for collaboration, or has a funding proposal, please get in touch by emailing [email protected].
