News

Nine-year-old Phoebe climbing high for hospital charity

June 11, 2020

A nine-year-old girl has climbed 1,300 flights of stairs during a lockdown challenge to raise money for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.

Phoebe Davison set herself the challenge to climb as many flights of stairs at her home as she could in a week, raising a fantastic £505 for the charity.

The 1,300 flights is equivalent to the 15-mile distance from Phoebe’s home in Dereham to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Phoebe said: “I know that Coronavirus is affecting many families in lots of different ways at the moment and I wanted to help.

“I told my Mum that I didn’t think I was helping much by staying at home and that I wanted to do more so I had the idea that I could raise money for the NHS even in my own home.

“I tried to climb 200 flights of stairs each day but near the end I just did as many as I could. My whole family helped out. My sisters Ava and Margot climbed some with me and helped me to keep tally and my Mum, Dad and brother Logan were like coaches, encouraging me to keep going.

Mum, Laura, and Dad, Justin, said: “We are so very proud of Phoebe, she has a big heart and cares a lot about the world around her. She and always tries her hardest to help others.”

N&N Hospitals Charity Coordinator Lynn Crombie said: “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support from the local community throughout these difficult times.

“Phoebe is truly inspiring and her generosity and determination has helped her raise a fantastic amount for our hospital charity. Hearing about challenges like this has a hugely positive impact on the morale of our staff and patients.”

To find out more about the work of the hospital charity and how you can help, visit our website at www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @NNUHCharity and https://www.facebook.com/nnuhcharity1/

Apple store runners turn lockdown into charity challenge

June 9, 2020

A team of runners from the Apple store in Norwich have completed a 345 mile race to raise money for Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.

The team, led by Tom Newman from the Apple store in Norwich, took part in the virtual race from Norwich to London then on to Leicester and back raising more than £2,000.

He said: “The idea came to mind during a run. ‘Could I run to London in a week?’ Probably not alone but as a team we might be able to and it seemed like a realistic short-term challenge.

“We saw the fantastic work others have been doing for charity and Apple stores around the UK have been getting involved supporting the community so I felt like we too could rise to a challenge, have some fun and raise some money.”

The store has a small running group and the challenge opened up to some non-runners, including those who wanted to walk or cycle, with the cyclists facing a handicap.

The team was made up of Tom, Carly, Charley, Aimee, Erin, Jesper, Marcus, Rob, Scott, Sean, Adam, Beth, Ellie, Jade, Jasper, Mark, Sam, Heidi, Vicky and Jason.

Tom said: “The team really put in the effort and we completed the distance in two days, after deciding to continue from London to Leicester where one of our staff members had been staying with parents when lockdown started. Everyone put in such an incredible effort.

“The results have been incredible and it’s amazing the money which has been raised for the charity. It really helped lift the spirits of everyone involved. We were able to work together as a team during the time we have been apart and it helped keep us that bit closer together.”

N&N Hospitals Charity Coordinator Lynn Crombie said: “We are so grateful to the team at Apple for thinking of us and raising such a fantastic amount – thank you to them and everyone who supported the team.
“It’s lovely to hear how the team also used the challenge to work together while being apart.”

To find out more : www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

Shielded woman’s 125-mile virtual walk for hospital charity

June 3, 2020

A woman who is shielding at home during the coronavirus pandemic has completed a 125-mile virtual walk with her husband to raise more than £2,500 for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.

Sue Gresham, from Holt, has a rare autoimmune liver condition and has to take steroids and other strong medication.

Sue said: “In any other circumstances, Simon and I would be volunteering to help others, so we wanted to do something in whatever way we could for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and particularly for my consultant and his Liver Research team who’ve looked after me since 2011.

“We set ourselves the challenge of each walking the equivalent mileage of the journey from Holt to Oxted, Surrey for a virtual visit to Simon’s mother, by walking around the outside of our house, which we thought would be about 5,000 or more circuits.”

The couple completed their challenge this week, completing the 125 miles in 48 days, and 330,582 steps.
Sue and Simon said they intend to keep walking: “Depending on when our lockdown ends or when the trainers wear out, we might even attempt the return trip or, at least, a virtual walk from Holt to the Hospital to hand over the money.

“We’re bowled over by the very generous support we’ve received already but, all the time we’re walking, we’d love for people to keep giving because we know that so many people in Norfolk will owe so much to the N&N, either for care in the past or in times to come.”

Lynn Crombie, from N&N Hospitals Charity said: “We have been following Sue and Simon’s progress over the weeks and we are so grateful to them for supporting the charity and, in turn, the staff and patients at our hospital.

“People have been carrying out exceptional challenges during this unprecedented period and this is another example of how amazing our fundraisers are.”

Donations can be made via Sue’s Justgiving page https://justgiving.com/fundraising/Sue-Gresham

For more information about the N&N Hospitals Charity and how you can help, go to www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

Garage’s antibacterial car clean for hospital charity

June 2, 2020

A Norfolk garage has commissioned a local cleaning company to provide an interior disinfectant clean for cars in aid of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.

For a suggested £4 donation, the public can visit Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre on Rackheath Industrial Estate from 9am-1pm on Saturday 6 June for an antibacterial clean for the inside of their car.

The fine mist clean, known as ‘fogging’, uses antibacterial cleaner which kills 99.9% of viruses whilst not affecting the interior of the vehicle. It takes just minutes to dry and drivers can use their vehicles immediately.

Mark Jones, Director of Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre said: “It is surprising the amount of general dirt and grime which gathers on areas in the car which everyone touches regularly such as steering wheels, door handles, gear sticks and hand brakes.

“We all wash our hands often but we don’t think about the areas we touch in the car after we have visited places such as supermarkets. With more and more people being encouraged to use their cars, the germs on our hands which we could pick up from areas in our car are then taken into our home and potentially to our loved ones too.”

Areas such as air vents can accumulate mould and bacteria. The ‘fogging’ can access all the hard to reach areas including circulating the antibacterial cleaner through your air vents too – making it generally safer for your health as well.

Note to editors
The cleaning event will be held at Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre on Saturday 6 June between 9am – 1pm, the cleans are performed on a first come first served basis and a donation of £4 is recommended.

Address: Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre, 36 Mackintosh Rd, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LJ.

For further information and to find out other measures Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre have taken to keep their staff and customers safe, please follow the Facebook page at @SpencersMOT

Lockdown charity walk raises £5,000 for NICU

May 15, 2020

A Swaffham-based travel company has raised more than £5,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after completing a 105-mile lockdown charity walk.

The 29-strong team from One Traveller, which specialises in holidays for mature, single travellers came together for the lockdown challenge on Bank Holiday Friday raising money for the N&N Hospitals Charity’s NICU fund.

One Traveller founders Ian and Emma Darkin welcomed their twin girls Francesca Grace and Edith Hope Darkin on 12 December 2019 weighing 3.5lbs and 1.3lbs respectively.

Ian, Emma, Jack, Francesca and Edith Darkin finally all back home together.

Both girls spent time in NICU, however Edith had a much longer journey as it was discovered that she had an internal Haemangioma (birthmark) blocking 90% of her airway.

Ian said: “Having spent 105 days in hospital Edith joined her sister and four-year-old brother Jack at home on 26 March and is now well on the road to recovery and we both remain eternally grateful to the NICU team, for their skill, knowledge, care and determination.

“Last Friday at 1.05pm, the One Traveller family, completed the combined 105 miles in their own households in five different countries; the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Russia with participants aged from four to 82 years old, including three generations of the Darkin family.

“Although 3.6 miles each was not the hardest physical challenge, only being able to complete this in our own homes (some without gardens) was a psychological challenge for all.”

Paula Mellor, NICU Matron, said: “We are delighted that the girls are doing so well and we all want to thank the team at One Traveller for raising so much for our unit.

“The money will help us to support our youngest patients, as well as their families.”

If you would like to make a donation to the team, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/one-traveller-nicu

More information about N&N Hospitals Charity is available at https://nnhospitalschari-8tcepqp763.live-website.com where you can find out how you can support any area of the hospital all year round.

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A huge thank you from NNUH

May 14, 2020

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital would like to say thank you to everyone in the community who has supported it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thousands of individuals, companies, charities, community groups and public sector organisations have come together to support the hospital as it cares for patients and families affected by the virus.

David White, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped us through this difficult time and pay tribute to the extraordinary levels of support we have received from the wider community across Norfolk and further afield.

“We remain united and resilient with the support of all those who were ready to help us tackle the hardest and longest lasting challenge that has confronted the NHS in its history.”

Professor Nancy Fontaine, Chief Nurse, added: “I am truly humbled by the overwhelming generosity we have received from thousands of people. The donations to us have been awe-inspiring with so many practical goods and services to help us through these difficult times. We know just how much you value your local hospital.

“We have felt the love from the community every step of the way as we have tackled the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Many of the donations to the hospital were channelled through the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity which has also received financial donations as well as wide range of goods and help in kind.

John-Paul Garside, who leads the N&N Hospitals Charity, said: “On behalf of the charity, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all the donations gratefully received over the last few months.

“We have been amazed by the outstanding support offered to our patients and staff during this difficult period. The efforts of the local community and contributions from national donors has been truly inspiring.

“We hope that the community will continue to support us in the forthcoming months as we continue to protect our patients from the virus. Many of these donations will continue to benefit our hospitals to enhance the care we deliver in the longer term.”

Children’s hospital celebrates 166 years

April 2, 2020

Patients, visitors and staff with be marking the 166th birthday of the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital in Norwich on 3 April.

The hospital cares for thousands of children each year, from babies aged 23 weeks through to young people up to the age of 16, and over in some cases.

The Norwich infirmary for sick children admitted its first inpatients on 3 April 1854, two years after London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, and is the second oldest children’s hospital in the country.

This year’s occasion will be celebrated with a special cake which has been kindly provided by Serco.

The children’s hospital was created thanks to the generosity of Jenny Lind, dubbed the Swedish Nightingale, who was one of the best known and most popular entertainers in mid-19th century Europe.

In 1847 she gave her first concerts in Norwich and they proved so popular that a third concert was arranged with proceeds going to open an infirmary for sick children.

In today’s hospital, Buxton Ward treats 3,500 young inpatients each year with a further 900 babies cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Staff on the Children’s Emergency Department care for 24,000 children each year while around 48,000 children attend outpatient appointments.

Laura Schaffer, Divisional Operations Director for Women and Children, said: “We know the hospital is close to the hearts of many people in Norfolk and over the years, donations have helped fund the children’s playground, virtual reality TV and games, a sensory room and so much more.

“We are hugely grateful for the support we receive at the N&N Hospitals Charity for the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital to enhance the environment and provide lots of extras for our youngest patients and their families.”

For more information about the charity and how to donate to the Jenny Lind then visit our website at www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

COVID-19 Emergency Appeal: Support Our NHS

March 23, 2020

Staff at the Norfolk & Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust are facing the challenge of coronavirus (COVID-19) head on.

With your help, the N&N Hospitals Charity can be there for the amazing staff in our three hospitals: the N&N, Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital & Cromer & District Hospital.

The NHS is facing its biggest challenge in 72 years. Our staff are on the front line in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

They’re going the extra mile, every day, to take care of us and our loved ones despite being under extreme pressure. They need our support more than ever.

You can help us to help them.

The N&N Hospitals Charity is committed to doing everything we can to help our amazing NHS staff. With your support, we can provide emergency funds to help hospital staff cope with the challenges they’re facing, every day.

Every donation – large or small – will make a difference. Anything we raise over and above what might be needed in the current crisis will go towards helping our hospitals continue to give exceptional care in the future.

You can help N&N Hospitals Charity raise money for this great cause by donating directly to their campaign JustGiving page here.

JustGiving sends your donation straight to Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity so that they can put your generosity to good use.
Thank you for your support.

For more information, get in touch on fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk
#ThankYouNNUH #ThankYouNHS

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Update regarding fundraising

March 17, 2020

In what are challenging and fast-moving times, we want to let you, our fundraisers and supporters know that N&N Hospitals Charity continues to support our hospitals and you in your fundraising. We will update you regarding events and fundraising activities as the information comes in.

We are aware that there are many of you who have already heard that your events have been postponed, for example the London Marathon, NHS Big Tea 2020, while others are waiting to hear as the situation changes on a daily basis.

If you have organised a fundraising event in the coming weeks and months, please follow the latest NHS and Government guidance and ensure you adhere to the regulations to keep yourself and others as safe as possible. Could you please email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk to let us know if your event is postponed and we can update our social media accordingly.

Similarly, if you were planning on going to an event, please contact the organiser to make sure it is going ahead before you attend, while always adhering to the NHS and Government guidance.

It goes without saying that our thoughts are with everyone who is working on the frontline to keep things as normal as they can be during these unprecedented times here at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Please keep across our website www.nnuh.nhs.uk and our social media feeds
@NNUHCharity
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www.facebook.com/nnuhcharity1/
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Breast Cancer Appeal hits £400,000 milestone

March 3, 2020

The Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has now smashed the £400,000 milestone.

The appeal to create a one-stop shop where patients can have the necessary tests and see their consultant in one appointment is now more than half way to the £800,000 target.

The appeal received a fantastic boost on Thursday when representatives of the five Rotary Clubs of Norwich, the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks presented the N&N Hospitals Charity with £60,000 raised over the past year.

Guests from Desira, East Bilney Coachworks and Rotary groups in Norwich see some of the equipment they have helped purchase.

The new breast cancer unit is already taking shape, including the installation of a Stereotactic mammography system which uses low-dose x-rays to help locate a breast abnormality and remove a tissue and is less invasive than surgical biopsy.

Dr Arne Juette, Director of Breast Imaging, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of the community, from individuals to groups and businesses.

“We had no idea when the appeal was launched just how everyone would take it to their hearts and do so much to help create the new unit for patients.

“It means so much to the team here to have support like this.”

Paul Constable, speaking on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, said: “We attended the launch of the Boudicca Appeal in 2018 and were inspired by the former patients and their family members, and the enthusiasm and strength of purpose of the breast cancer team.

“After this, Rotary in Norwich made the Boudicca Appeal their main charity for 2019. Not only did it galvanize the five clubs in Norwich, we also gained support from other clubs in Norfolk.

“Over the past 12 months, we have held a number of events including the Upton Walk, the Craft Fair in Chapelfield Gardens, car raffle, quiz nights, charity ball and art auction, Christmas Tree Festival at Peter Mancroft Church and the Colin Thackery concerts, raising a total of £60,000.

“Thanks go to the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, including Marchesi, Centenary, St Edmunds, Blackfriars and Norwich, also Diss and District, Reepham and District, Wroxham Bure Valley, Wymondham and Wymondham Satellite Clubs, Taylor Wimpey, and the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks which donated the car to be raffled.”

The Rotary Clubs of Norwich are continuing to support the appeal which has also received the backing of many individuals, groups and businesses, including Page Bros, Tiger Eye Consulting, Pure Gym, The Forum in Norwich, Norfolk Snowsports Club in Trowse and Old Hall Farm in Woodton.

To find out how you can get involved with the appeal, please contact the N&N Hospitals Charity on 01603 287107 or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or donate directly at www.justgiving.com/campaign/boudicca