Former NHS staff raise £500 for My WiSH
A host of fundraising activities by former NHS staff in West Suffolk has helped to boost the funds of a hospital charity.
A total of £500 was collected by members of the Suffolk West NHS Retirement Fellowship from a series of quizzes, fetes, social gatherings and a tombola.
The money has gone to the My WiSH Charity, which supports the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and includes the West Suffolk Hospital as well as Newmarket Hospital and community services.
The group, which meets at the Horringer Community Centre on the second Monday of each month except December, from 10.15am to 12.15pm, have, over the years, continued to raise money for the charity.
Jeanette Lee, the chair/president of the fellowship, said: “Suffolk West NHS Retirement Fellowship members have pleasure in donating yearly to the West Suffolk Hospital My WiSH Charity.
“We raise funds through activities such as quiz nights, fetes, our twice-a-year social and of course our tombola at the My WiSH Soapbox Challenge.
“Many of our members spent many years working for the Trust and recognise the good work My WiSH continue to do.”
Sally Daniels, fundraising manager, said “It’s always lovely to pop along to see the fellowship as I see so many familiar faces. We can’t thank them enough for their continued support.”
The group has grown from very small beginnings and at present have a membership of over 100 people.
It’s very active and in addition to its monthly meetings they run a number of groups.
The main objective is to have fun and provide friendship to as many NHS retired people as possible.
Members, who include retired or semi-retired form work in the NHS and allied service including hospitals, GP surgeries, dental practices, the ambulance service, hospice and voluntary services, are able to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
Each month they have speakers on various subjects, quizzes, raffles, table top book and plant sales and a diary of trips out.
There are also a number of clubs and groups including book, gardening, rambling, genealogy, ten pin bowling, Scrabble, canasta, Nordic walking, photography, history, and they also organise outings to the theatre, lunches and coffee mornings.
Anyone interested in joining can contact the membership secretary, Mary Macer, on 01284 746761, or alternatively Suzanne Veal on 01284 828842.
Main photo: Members of the Suffolk West NHS Retirement Fellowship along with Sally Daniels, fundraising manager of My WiSH. Photo: Elaine Ramsden.
Written by Russell Cook for My WiSH Charity.