Hospital dementia appeal sees a boost

My WiSH Charity saw a welcome boost to their Forget-Me-Not Dementia appeal recently thanks to the Duchesne family from Stanningfield.

Richard and Ruth Duchesne host Christmas in Stanningfield each year, selling Christmas trees and other festive gifts from their farm in Donkey Lane and each year they also provide hot drinks and mince pies for a donation to My WiSH.

It’s not the first time they have supported the appeal, which aims to enhance the care patients with dementia receive at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

Ruth said “The Forget-Me-Not Appeal resonates with me as my dad had dementia. The hospital cared for him so well in his last days but, not only that, they cared for me and my family too which was just wonderful”.

Sue Smith, head of fundraising, added “Richard and Ruth have been amazing supporters over the past few years and we cannot thank them enough.

“It’s so hard for patients with dementia to come into the unfamiliar surroundings of the hospital. Donations allow us to provide so many things to make their stay easier from activities, music and DVD players to colour coding ward bays and providing wool for blankets so patients bed spaces are more recognisable amongst the sea of hospital beds. We can’t do these things without the kindness of the community so donations like this are wonderful.”

To find out more about My WiSH Charity’s Forget-Me-Not Dementia appeal go to www.mywishcharity.co.uk/appeals/fmn

Main photo: Richard and Ruth Duchesne pictured holding their cheque for £1089.40 for My WiSH Charity.