News

The N&N Hospitals Charity will be hosting its annual hospital Christmas Fair as well as the festive snowflake lights switch on, which will take place on Thursday 5 December from 4pm to 8pm at the hospital’s Colney Lane site.

The ever-popular Pets As Therapy dogs will be greeting visitors while Father Christmas will be making an early appearance in his very own grotto. Star Wars fans will be in for a treat with Darth Vader making an appearance during the evening.

There will be a chance to pick up some unique gifts from a variety of stalls, including decorations, sweet goodies, clothes and jewellery. Visitors will also be entertained by the Lego trains on an eight foot track in the East Atrium Level 2.

Live entertainment will be provided by Busybodies Stage School, the NNUH choir, Norwich Rock Choir and Norwich Hospital Radio, plus there the chance to buy tasty, roasted turkey baps provided by Serco.

There will also be a last chance to purchase raffle tickets for the Swift Car before the raffle is drawn on 6 December.

Entrance and car parking is free in NNUH car parks only.

To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity please visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

A woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year has urged everyone to back the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal to create a new breast cancer unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Maria Carroll, from Sprowston in Norwich, was seen at the N&N just days after finding a breast lump in May this year and was fortunate to be able to have her diagnostic tests on the same day.  Now, as the N&N Hospitals Charity marks the appeal’s one-year anniversary, 33-year-old Maria has given her support to the Boudicca Appeal to create the unit which would mean all patients receiving the same-day diagnosis service.

The charity launched the appeal last October, and thanks to donations from individuals and organisations alike, it has now reached almost £250,000.  Work started earlier in the year to transform the space into the one-stop-shop for patients and next week will see the installation of some of the new equipment which has already been purchased.  This is expected to take two weeks, and will operational from mid-November.

Maria said: “Not everyone is fortunate to get seen as quickly as I did and get all the appointments through as quickly as I did and the wait must cause anxiety.

Medical Director Erika Denton at the launch of the Boudicca Cancer Appeal.

“This is why we are supporting the Boudicca Appeal and hope that everyone can be seen quickly.”

The new equipment includes 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.

The appeal aims to raise £800,000 to create the unit where patients can have the necessary images taken, undergo a biopsy and see their consultant in one appointment. Currently, not all patients are provided with this same-day diagnosis service because of limited capacity in the existing unit.

Professor Erika Denton, NNUH Medical Director, said:  “We have a very skilled team supporting our breast cancer patients every step of the way.  The Boudicca Appeal is enhancing the care they can provide by expanding our facilities and enabling new equipment to be purchased.  It is gratifying to see the level of support we have received from the local community and how it is benefiting our services.”

The N&N Hospitals Charity is urging even more people to get behind the appeal which has received fantastic support from many individuals, groups and businesses, including Norfolk Snowsports Club in Trowse, Old Hall Farm in Woodton, The Forum in Norwich, the Rotary Clubs of Norwich which organised a fundraising ball at the Assembly House, and Desira Norwich, which donated a car to be raffled.

Head of Fundraising, Louise Cook said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Norfolk. We have met some amazing fundraisers who have done so much to raise money for this appeal and every pound raised is being used to improve the facility for the benefit of our patients.

“We have had charity walks, fundraising balls, cake sales, raft races, fashion shows, abseils, fetes, car washes and everything in between – if it can be done, our amazing fundraisers have done it.

“As we enter our second year, we can’t wait to see what ideas our fundraisers come up with and please consider supporting us, or getting your workplace to choose us as their charity for the year.

Anyone who would like to find out more can call the N&N Hospitals Charity on 01603 287107 or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or donate directly at www.justgiving.com/campaign/boudicca

Maria’s story

When Maria Carroll found a lump in her breast in May 2019, she was only too aware of the importance of getting it checked out quickly.

Her nan had breast cancer so Maria knew to regularly check for lumps and other breast changes.

The 33-year-old from Sprowston saw her GP and a few days later she was at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she saw Consultant Simon Pain and underwent a mammogram and biopsy following which the cancer was confirmed.

Maria said: “In my head and deep down I thought ‘it is cancer’ but you try and stay positive. I saw Mr Pain straight away, had the mammogram then biopsy, I was lucky to have it all. Had I needed to wait for the tests, I would have been more anxious.”

Maria Carroll, right, pictured with friend Janet Howard, has backed the Boudicca Appeal.

Maria was fortunate to have had the tests she needed on the same day. However, since the breast cancer unit has seen an 80 per cent increase in patient numbers over the past five years, the current unit is unable to provide a same-day diagnosis to all patients.

This is something the Boudicca Appeal will address and with £250,000 of the £800,000 already raised, building work is already taking place and new equipment will be in place next month.

Maria has been accompanied at some of her appointments by friend Janet Howard, whose mum was treated for breast cancer five years ago but sadly died in January 2017.  Maria’s nan has also been a great support to her by taking her to her appointments.

Maria said: “You’ve got the worry about the cancer and all the different departments which are involved, and the paperwork so Janet is really good because she comes to the hospital with me and is another pair of ears to take it all in.

“I have had four lots of chemotherapy following which the tumour had really shrunk then I had the mastectomy and reconstruction at the beginning of September. I will have more chemotherapy and hopefully that will be the end of the treatment. The cancer was Grade 3 but fortunately hadn’t spread to the lymph nodes.

“Not everyone is fortunate to get seen as quickly as I did and get all the appointments through as quickly as I did and the wait must be horrible.

“This is why we are supporting the Boudicca Appeal and hope that everyone can be seen quickly.”

Janet has been a fantastic support for Maria, but it’s not the first time she has taken on the role after her mum Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

Janet said: “She noticed her breast was looking different and she said to me later that she should have gone and got it checked out sooner but you think everything is going to be all right.”

Janet’s mum had Grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer which is an aggressive form of cancer in which the three most common types of receptors which fuel most breast cancer growth – oestrogen, progesterone and excess HER2 protein – are not present.

This means it does not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target HER2 protein receptors although it does respond to chemotherapy.

Janet said: “It had spread to the lymph nodes so they were removed but she then suffered with complications, including lymphedema which made her arm swell up massively.

“Mum had chemotherapy and a mastectomy and was initially told she was in the clear.

“But it came back and spread quickly and into her chest and she went pretty quickly at the age of 72.

“That was three years ago and I can remember how hard it was when you are waiting around for tests and results, it is horrible.

“Everyone was lovely and doing their best but it was just so busy – we just really hope that the appeal reaches its target and nobody has to wait for tests and to find out if they have cancer.”

For more information and to support the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal, go to https://nnhospitalschari-8tcepqp763.live-website.com/about-us/latest-campaigns-and-appeals/the-boudicca-appeal/

The generosity of a Norfolk farmer is set to improve health services in North Norfolk after Cromer Hospital received one of its biggest ever donations.

The family of Douglas de Bootman have presented a cheque of more than £1m to the N&N Hospitals Charity after the retired farmer left the proceeds of his estate to Cromer Hospital in his will.

Mr de Bootman spent his life farming at Pentney, near Swaffham, before retiring and buying Church Farm in Thursford with his wife Janet.

After Janet died of cancer in 2010, Mr de Bootman continued to live in Thursford and spent much of his time looking after the grounds of his farm and discovered his love of painting.

The 88-year-old died in March 2018 following a short illness.

His niece Karen Ballard, from King’s Lynn, said her uncle liked helping others and Mr de Bootman revealed to her a week before his death that he was leaving his legacy to benefit Cromer Hospital.

“He was very active in his retirement up until three or four weeks before he died. He had quite a lot of land and used to get up early in the mornings and spent his time taking care of the grounds: cutting the grass, pruning the trees, chopping wood etc.  He was very skilled at carpentry, welding, and agricultural engineering.  He loved being outside with his Labrador and in his retirement took up painting, which it seems he had a natural skill.”

“He was such a quiet, sensitive gentleman.  He and Janet enjoyed a few holidays in Scotland.  My uncle liked a quiet life, in Thursford he had a few elderly neighbours who he liked to help and vice versa.

“We are happy that the money is going to the new cancer unit at Cromer Hospital as cancer affects so many people in many ways.”

The sale of Mr de Bootman’s estate has resulted in Cromer Hospital receiving £1,078,519.30

The Trust is currently working with Macmillan Cancer Support to create a state-of-the-art cancer care and support centre, which will increase chemotherapy and treatment space at Cromer Hospital.

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising for the N&N Hospitals Charity, said: “We are overwhelmed by this incredibly generous donation, which will make a significant difference to thousands of patients in North Norfolk.

“Mr de Bootman’s legacy will undoubtedly help improve the facilities and services at the hospital and will be felt by patients, staff and visitors for many years to come.”

Picture caption: From left, Cancer Operations Manager Matt Keeling, Mr de Bootman’s sister in law Pat de Bootman, niece Karen Ballard and Cromer Matron Anita Martins.

The annual campaign to deliver more than 1,000 gifts for inpatients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Christmas Day has begun, and this year it is even easier to get involved, thanks to local businesses.

N&N Hospitals Charity’s Send a Smile with Santa campaign delivers presents donated by the public to patients, both young and old, who are unable to celebrate Christmas at home with their families.

This year, there are a number of new drop off points across the county to make it easier for those who want to help and, for the first time, the charity has an Amazon Wish List and a JustGiving page where people can choose a gift or make a small donation which will be used exclusively to purchase a gift for a patient.

John Lewis has once again kicked off the donations with the delivery of 45 Jelly Cat cuddly toys – one for each of the babies who will spend Christmas in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Chief Nurse Nancy Fontaine said: “We were overwhelmed by the kindness of people last year and we were able to deliver a lovely present to each of our patients.

Santa will deliver a present for every patient at the N&N this Christmas Day.

“Nobody wants to spend time in hospital, and Christmas is so often a special time for people to be with family, and this is why we like to do something to make it a little nicer for our patients.

“We really hope that the people of Norfolk will once again support our appeal and help put a smile of the faces of our patients during the festive period.”

Presents can be dropped off by Sunday 8th December at NNUH West Atrium Inpatient reception, Cromer Hospital, the Archant building on Rouen Road in Norwich and Greater Anglian Norwich Railway Station Customer Service.

Tesco at Harford Bridge is supporting the appeal and presents can be dropped off there and Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf Club and Spa will also be collecting gifts and will give 10% discount on hot drinks in the Sports Bar to everyone who drops off a gift.

Gifts can also be taken to the café and farm shop at Old Hall Farm on Norwich Road in Woodton.

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted that these fantastic organisations are supporting us again and new ones have come on board.

“We know from our patients how lovely and unexpected it is to receive a gift on Christmas Day. They don’t need to be expensive gifts – toiletries, puzzle books, chocolates or socks are always greatly received.

“We have heard from people who would like to donate a gift but are unable to get out, so we this year we have an Amazon Wish List with small items which can be purchased and will be delivered directly to us, or a JustGiving page where a donation can be made and we will use that to purchase a gift for a patient.”

Click here to choose an item from our Send a Smile with Santa list on Amazon or to make a donation which will be used to purchase a gift, click here.

All presents should remain unwrapped so staff can ensure that presents are individually tailored for each patient, as well as protecting against potential infection. The hospital would also welcome donations of gift bags and wrapping paper.

Unfortunately we are not able to accept homemade gifts, electrical items, sharp objects or any used goods.

For more information on the appeal please contact 01603 287107 or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk. Please ensure all presents are dropped off by December 8 2019 to allow time for the hospital to wrap presents in preparation for Christmas Day.

A woman’s quick-thinking after spotting the signs of a stroke in her friend has been praised by the doctor who treated her.

Winifred Joyce Tew, known as Joyce, was returning home to Watton from a shopping trip to Norwich when her friend Joyce Fenn recognised the warning signs of a stroke.

Fortunately the next bus stop was the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and help was summoned. Mrs Tew was rushed to the Emergency Department where a CT head scan confirmed she had suffered a stroke.

Joyce Tew, pictured in the summer.

She was treated by Stroke Consultant Dr Kneale Metcalf for 16 days before she sadly died on 20 June.

However, Dr Metcalf praised the quick thinking of Mrs Fenn who gave her 95-year-old friend a chance of recovery: “The actions of Mrs Fenn were so critical in giving Mrs Tew a chance of recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in Stroke Medicine. Sadly a favourable outcome wasn’t meant to be in this case. I’ll never forget how Mrs Fenn reacted and supported her friend.” 

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:

• Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
• Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to take at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
• Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Mrs Tew’s daughter, Janet Walmsley, said: “My mother was on the bus with Joyce, showing her some family photos when Joyce noticed mum’s mouth had dropped and knew she was having a stroke – her husband and daughter had both had strokes so she knew straight away to get her to hospital.

“By the time I had reached her bedside it was evident that any prospect of recovery was bleak, although she staggered us by her ability to answer questions and still had her extraordinary sense of humour.

“We had all thought she would live to be 100, however that wasn’t to be, but she had a remarkably healthy 95 years of life, not taking any medication and living independently.”

Earlier this month, Janet raised £800 for the Stroke team, part of the N&N Hospitals Charity, from a puppy picnic party for her dog’s puppies as they went off to their new homes. Her family are all very grateful for the continuing support from friends.

Janet and Joyce returned to the NNUH to meet Dr Metcalf again and hand over the donations to the Stroke team who cared for their mum and friend.

More information about recognising the signs of a stroke is available here www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/

If you would like to support the hospital charity, contact fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk or visit the charity website at nnuh.org.uk/

A woman has completed the 84-mile Norfolk Coast Path raising almost £1,600 to support the hospital where she was twice treated for breast cancer.

Judith Marney set off from Hunstanton, in west Norfolk, on 26 July accompanied by friend Jeanne Heal to tackle the walk to Hopton on the north east Norfolk coast, with husband John acting as support crew.

Along with sponsorship, the team picked up donations along the way all of which have gone to Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal which is raising money for a new dedicated Breast Cancer Unit which will offer a same-day diagnosis service to all patients.

Judith chose the appeal after her own treatment from breast cancer, first 22 years ago, and for a second time last September when she was recalled to the N&N following a routine mammogram.

She said: “This should have been the last before my 70th birthday. Following my diagnosis, the treatment that I received proceeded quickly and efficiently and hopefully, I am now cancer free. My two cancers have been in different breasts and, I’m told, were unrelated. I’ve just been unlucky.

“Without the dedicated care of the staff, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiographers, nurses and students throughout the N&N, my prognosis wouldn’t be as good as it is.

Director of the NNUH Breast Imaging Unit Dr Arne Juette, accompanied by members of his team, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Judith Marney, and husband John.

“When I first had cancer, within nine months of completing treatment I ran the London Marathon to raise funds for a cancer charity. Some 22 years on, affected by arthritis and back problems, I’m unable to run any more but I decided to walk the coastal path in six days, six month

s after completing treatment, accompanied by my very good friend, Jeanne, who has been around for both of my cancer journeys.”

Judith ended her walk at Potter’s Leisure resort at Hopton and were greeted to a reception and a cheque for £250 to add to the funds and a VIP tea in the ballroom.

She said: “It was unbelievably generous and was somewhat emotional to receive such support at the end of a gruelling challenge. Thank you Potters.”

The Boudicca Appeal which was launched at the end of last year, and has already raised more than £210,000 towards the dedicated breast cancer unit at the hospital,
Equipment has already been purchased with the funds already raised so patients can start to benefit as soon as possible.
Dr Arne Juette, Director of the NNUH Breast Imaging Unit, thanked Judith for her support when she and John visited the hospital to present the team with the money she had raised.

He said: “Thank you to Judith for taking part in this challenge during what was one of the hottest weeks of the year, to support of our Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal. It means so much to the team here to have support like this.”

If you would like to support the Boudicca Appeal, contact fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk

A brand new car is being raffled in aid of the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal and the official unveiling took place yesterday at outpatients west.

The N&N Hospitals Charity, the official NNUH charity, has partnered with five rotary clubs from Norwich, the Desira Group in association with Suzuki and East Bilney Coachworks to raffle a Suzuki Swift SZ3.

The raffle, organised by the Norwich Rotary Clubs will run until 6 December 2019 and the winning ticket will be drawn the day after the NNUH Christmas Fair.

For a donation of just £5 towards the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal, you will receive a raffle ticket and all donations will help the appeal move towards its fundraising target of £800,000.

To buy your ticket:

• see the volunteers near the main restaurant from 1.30pm to 4pm each Wednesday afternoon (starting today)
• call the fundraising team on ext 3107

Mark Davies, NNUH Chief Executive, says: “Breast cancer affects many families across Norfolk and Waveney and we are determined to provide the very best care we can to our patients. It is gratifying to see the whole community coming together to support on our mission and we are especially grateful to the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks for donating this amazing prize.”

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We hope that people will be inspired to take part in the draw and help us raise £20,000 towards our Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal. With every ticket you buy, not only do you have a great chance of winning, but you are also supporting the appeal in a fun way.”

Brave competitors descended on Whitlingham Adventure on Sunday to take part in a special It’s A Knockout contest, raising money for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal.

The event was organised by Norfolk Snowsports Club – one of a number of events the club is running as part of its pledge to support the appeal this year.

The weather was perfect for the teams to work together and tackle the water relay while competitors and spectators were also able to enjoy a BBQ, with all proceeds going to the breast cancer appeal.

Picture courtesy of BigPhatPhotos

Among those taking part were two teams form the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital breast imaging unit and teams from the Snowsports Club itself.

The Boudicca Appeal which was launched at the end of last year, and has already raised more than £210,000 towards a dedicated breast cancer unit at the hospital which will offer a same-day diagnosis service to all patients.

Equipment has already been purchased with the funds already raised and patients are already benefiting.

Club Secretary Rebecca Matthews said: “Norfolk Snowsports Club is very proud to be helping to raise funds for the Boudicca appeal.

“This horrible illness affects so many individuals and their families and the period between referral and diagnosis can be a frightening place to be, so it is great for us to be able to contribute to the purchase of improved diagnostic equipment.”

Dr Arne Juette, Director of the NNUH Breast Imaging Unit, said: “A heartfelt thank you to all who have helped organise this event and who have come in support of our NNUH Boudicca Breast Unit! We want to do right by our patients and could not do it without your support.”

Lynn Crombie, from N&N Hospitals Charity, said: “We’d like to thank Norfolk Snowsports Club and Rebecca Matthews for organising this fantastic event as well as all those who took part – everyone looked to have a fantastic time and what a brilliant way to raise money for the Boudicca Appeal.”

If you would like to support the appeal or organise a fundraising event, contact fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk