Fundraisers branded ‘charity superstars’ for their support towards hospital charity

A multitude of initiatives and measures have been introduced at the West Suffolk Hospital thanks to generous fundraisers described as “charity superstars”.

They have helped to contribute to a host of clinical materials and items plus new medical posts.

Up to 100 supporters of the My WiSH Charity attended the annual “Thank You” evening at Ashlar House, in Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, where they were praised for their dedicated backing to the charity.

Sue Smith, the head of fundraising for My WiSH, said some of the latest items to be purchased and work carried out were an interactive distraction unit for the Rainbow Ward, an Accuvein machine which allows staff find the veins of young patients in order to take blood, the revamping of outside areas including the recently opened Butterfly Garden for end of life patients, iPads for the cardiac rehab team, specialist equipment for Parkinson and MS patients so they can be treated out in the community, birthday cake and birthday cards for patients, and welcome home packs for elderly and vulnerable patients.

She said: “I just want to say a massive, massive thank you to you all. You are all absolutely charity superstars.”

The charity, which supports the hospitals in Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket along with community services, recently organised the Soapbox Challenge, which raised over £23,000.

And it has been backed by a host of fundraisers including skydivers, runners, clay pigeon marksmen and women, plus people organising bingo sessions, music concerts and head shaves.

Jeremy Over, the director of workforce at the West Suffolk Hospital, said: “You are a bunch of wonderful, giving, caring, humble people and I want to celebrate you for all you have done for us.

“I think the thing that brings us all together is around the care and the passion that you all have for what happens in our organisation and the things that you do for us, for our patients, for their families, their loved ones and our staff help us to do things that are truly personal, that make a difference to people at what can be the worst moments in their lives.”

Main photo by Andy Abbott.