A £100,000 project to upgrade a children’s intensive care ward is being made possible thanks to a £50,000 donation from epilepsy charity Abbie’s Love.
The upgrade to the paediatric intensive care unit at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital will mean the addition of four private assessment rooms and four parents’ overnight stay rooms - making it more comfortable for poorly youngsters and their worried families.
And the newly revamped unit will be named after the little girl who inspired fundraisers with her kind nature, Abbie Clarke, whose parents Richard and Tracy set up the charity following her tragic death aged just 10 in December 2006.
Given the honour of helping hand over the money - poignantly on Epilepsy Awareness Day - were two of the youngest members of Abbie’s family, Richard and Tracy’s niece Amelia, who turns one next month, and great niece Lily, six months.
The cheque was to be officially handed today, Epilepsy Awareness Day, when many of the staff were wearing purple in aid of awareness.
Richard, 51, said: “The NHS Trust had put £50,000 in but needed to raise the other £50,000. When we heard we just thought well, we have it here already.
“Some people might think it’s not directly for children with epilepsy, but it will benefit all kids including those with epilepsy. There are about 900 children a month going through there.
“The work will hopefully mean children will not be assessed on a trolley, which is what happened with Abbie.
“It’s a fantastic project and we’re so proud to be part of it.”
Richard also said it wasn’t the case that he and wife Tracy would be wrapping up the charity this year.
The pair had earlier posted information on their charity Facebook page to say they planned 2015 to be Abbie’s Love’s final year, but quickly had a change of heart.
Abbie Clarke
The dedicated pair have to date raised more than £300,000, £135,000 of which has gone to the hospital, including the latest sum.
Richard said: “After we posted that on the page, loads of people said to us how much it had helped them, so we’ve decided to keep it going.”
It is hoped the work on the hospital unit will begin in April.
Additionally, Abbie’s Love plans to fund another roof hoist for the unit, used to safely lift larger children or teenagers. The hoist is estimated to cost around £12,000.
Richard added: “People say to use ‘you should be proud’ and yes we should be, but so should everyone who’s put money in the pot. I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated to our charity - you have all made this possible.”
Clinical matron for paediatrics and neonates, Cathy Brammer said she was overwhelmed by the couple’s generosity.
She said: “Richard and Tracy have worked so hard over the last nine years to fundraise for local children with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
“It is amazing how, following such a sad and painful event, they have been able to channel their energy into creating a legacy in Abbie’s memory that has benefited so many children and families. This latest donation far exceeds anything we could have expected and we are so grateful to everyone at the charity for everything they are doing for the Children’s Unit.”
No comments:
Post a Comment