Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity is urging people in Worcestershire to join them in an evening to remember, as together with staff from Worcestershire Acute hospitals NHS Trust they host a charity ball to raise money for the Children of Worcestershire Cancer fund.
The fund which was set up by Dawn Forbes, Children and Young People Oncology Nurse Specialist four years ago, aims to support children and their families during the difficult time of treatment.
This year’s ball will be held at Stanbrook Abbey, Malvern on September 11.
The first charity ball was held in September 2019 at the Chateaux Impney, Droitwich, and almost £8,000 was raised.
On the importance of fundraising for the Children of Worcestershire cancer fund Dawn added:
“As there have been minimal fund-raising opportunities over the last 18 months, the money we raised at the first ball has been a lifeline in allowing us to continue providing the items that make such a difference.”
The money was used to provide refreshments for family meetings, parties, days out as well as teddies and bespoke cakes to celebrate the end of treatment.
Nurse Specialist Dawn also added:
“All of these things help the children and their families to make special memories and they, needless to say, deserve to be spoiled a little.”
“By supporting this event you are helping a child going through cancer treatment make special memories with their families, and you would be helping to make their difficult journey just a little bit easier. These children are so strong and courageous. Thank you for supporting us.”
If you’d like to support this wonderful event by either buying a ticket, sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize, contact Dawn Forbes on 01905 761470 or email to: dawn.forbes1@nhs.net. Ticket cost £60 per person.
Sophie Burt, Head of Fundraising and Community Development for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity said:
“The Paediatric Oncology team and their supporters work so hard to fundraise for special events, projects and experiences that go above and beyond the core NHS provision. Over just the last 12 months funds have been used to support poorly children and their families in a variety of different ways.
“The pandemic has been a testing time for the families and with the community’s support The Children of Worcestershire Cancer Fund have been able to purchase arts and crafts materials for the children to help keep them entertained. Charitable funds enable the team to create special memories, purchase Christmas gifts and food hampers, and even transform the children’s clinic into a wonderful Santa’s Grotto.”