Our Digital Charity Newsletter is out now
Have a look at our latest digital charity newsletter! Our newsletter is a brilliant way of keeping up to date with our latest projects, campaigns and events. Learn how your support is making a positive difference to our hospitals and find out about more ways you can support us.
Dominic Barker completes a sponsored walk in memory of his dad
One of our youngest fundraisers, Dominic Barker, has raised over £2,600 for our hospital’s charity! Five-year-old Dominic completed a three-mile sponsored walk on Father’s Day (Sunday 18 June) in memory of his dad, James Barker.
James was cared for at both Queen’s and King George hospitals, spending eight weeks as an inpatient before he sadly passed away earlier this year at the young age of 39. In honour of his dad and the exceptional staff who looked after him, Dominic took up the fundraising challenge to help other patients and families in our hospitals during difficult times.
Dominic kicked off his walk at 10:30am in King George Playing Fields Romford wearing his dad’s favourite cap and completed the walk in just thirty minutes! The route was lined with beautiful blue ribbon bows to guide him on his walk, and he was joined by his family and friends, who cheered him on throughout the journey. After the walk, Dominic was gifted medals and trophies from his mum and grandparents, and spent the rest of the morning playing in the sunny park with his friends.
Funds raised will be used to make a real difference to patients, staff, and families by funding projects that go over and above NHS funding to further enhance the hospital experience for all.
Our charity is amazed by Dominic’s courage, and we admire him for all his hard work. Massive thanks to everyone who has supported Dominic throughout his fundraising journey.
If you’re a grateful patient or family member and would like to show your appreciation to our staff, and help ensure future patients receive the same amazing care – get in touch with us today!
Grateful patient raises £4,500 for our Sunflower Suite
Maria Sgouralis was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma cancer in September 2022. Since then, she has been bravely battling her illness and has undergone several chemotherapy sessions in the Sunflower Suite at Queen’s Hospital. Maria’s life was turned upside down suddenly when she found out her diagnosis. She was a primary school teacher in Essex, which she thoroughly enjoyed but after her diagnosis, could no longer do the job she loved.
Maria said: “Instead of reading time and colouring, I had antiseptic hospital rooms and painful chemotherapy treatment.”
Although Maria has a long road to recovery, she has shown courage and strength to fight her illness, and this was helped by the amazing care and support she received from staff in the Sunflower Suite and Oncology department.
She said: “The staff have been absolutely wonderful, such high-quality care and I couldn’t have wished for anything better.”
Maria successfully raised funds through a JustGiving page, and also received an additional donation from The Lions Club of Wanstead and Woodford, of which she is a member.
Maria, along with her family and the President and Zone Chair of Wanstead & Woodford Lions Club, presented a generous donation of £4,500 to our charity and the Sunflower Suite team on Tuesday 25th April. Maria proudly rang the End of Treatment Bell, marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment, surrounded by her loved ones and the team who provided her with care.
Maria added:” I’m extremely thankful to all those who donated. Cancer can have such a horrible effect on both your physical and mental abilities, so I hope the funds raised can go towards improving patient care, particularly for younger patients with the illness.”
'The Romford Bull' visits Queen’s to spread Easter joy to our children’s wards
Professional boxer, Johnny Fisher, and his father, John Fisher (aka Tik Tok sensation 'Big John'), visited our children's ward at Queen's Hospital. The duo brought smiles to the children's faces by handing out bags of Easter treats and taking photos with children on the ward.
Local supplies company, Nxt Gen Enterprises, who sponsors Johnny Fisher generously purchased the Easter treats to donate to the children's ward as a way of giving back to the community.
Stuart Kinnie, Director at Nxt Gen Enterprises said: “Giving back to our local hospital is an amazing and rewarding experience. Being able to contribute to the local community through my business is a great feeling.”
The Easter bags were filled with delicious chocolate eggs and fun arts and crafts activities.
Our Play Team staff joined the visit and expressed their gratitude for the Easter donation. Johnny Fisher, The Romford Bull said: "It's great helping and bringing happiness to little ones in hospital. I'm always eager to help smaller charities and young people in any way I can."
Big John added, "It's an honour and a privilege to be here. I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my social media following for a good cause. The charity's work is amazing, and I'm proud to be a supporter."
Over £3,000 raised in 'The Southend Rudolph Run' for medical teams who cared for his wife
Last month Matt Mcgorry took part in ‘The Southend Rudolph Run’, a popular festive 5 mile run fundraiser along the Promenade. Matt decided to run for King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity after the amazing care his wife Rosie received at Queen’s Hospital.
In October 2022, Rosie was involved in a football accident, and was cared for by our Sahara B Ward and Neurosciences Therapy Team.
Matt said: “Rosie’s fortitude is what’s driving her on, but nothing could have been achieved without the expertise, care and selflessness of the team.”
Rosie had a major surgery and was given a 2% chance of being able to walk again. Since then, she has overcome every challenge faced and is recovering extremely well.
Matt adds: “Donate whatever you can to this amazing hospital and help them give the same opportunities to other patients who are going through and will go through what Rosie is tackling.”
Due to Matt’s dedication and the support he received, over £3,000 was raised! As requested, funds raised will go to the wards who cared for Rosie.
Rosie said “The Physio Team on Sahara B are incredible. Some of the most skilled, amazing, kind and funny people I have met. It’s been a privilege to be their patient.” Huge well done to Matt, Rosie and our staff for all your phenomenal hard work!
A magical Christmas party for children in hospital
On Saturday 10th December, we welcomed children cared for in our hospital to a magical Christmas party, kick starting the Christmas celebrations. The party took place in the afternoon at Queen's Hospital, in The Education Centre.
We decided to spread joy this Christmas, with a well-deserved treat for those who have been cared for in our hospitals, including those from asthma, diabetes, haemoglobinopathy and homecare departments. The children had a chance to spend time together away from the hospital wards and focused solely on having Christmas fun! The party was funded by donations made at the charity’s annual Christmas ball in November 2022.
Activities included arts and crafts and face painting. Enertainment was provided by the much-loved Jelly Jade and Skittleman. Lunch was provided and each child received a jolly snowman box of goodies.
Each child was gifted with a special present , followed by a magical story from Santa himself. Parents were also able to join in on the fun, mingling with each other and enjoying mince pies.
Sherih Abdur from Harrow Hill, Romford. Mum of Sanvi Mohammad, age 8. Sanvi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 3 months ago.
Sherih said, “Sanvi has been having such a good time. He particularly loves his balloon from Jelly Jade and meeting Santa was a highlight”.
Money raised by Captain Tom funds new ambulances for our Trust
We often are asked if we received any of the Captain Sir Tom Moore funding, well we can tell you that we absolutely did and we’ve decided to buy three new ambulances for elderly patients using money raised by this national hero. We have funded the ambulances with £390,000 we received from NHS Charities Together, the organisation for which Captain Sir Tom Moore raised over £33 million by walking laps of his garden.
We will spend a further £110,000 from general funds on the HomeFirst Scheme, where assessments for a patient’s rehabilitation, equipment and care takes place in their own home to give a “more accurate picture” of the level of support they require. The scheme, run by our Red2Green team, ensures long-term decisions are not made about patients’ futures while they are in hospital.
We also plan to work with Age UK on additional staff visits for those at risk of isolation. These patients will receive help to video call friends and family and have access to Sparko entertainment, which includes fitness sessions and live discussion groups. It also includes the caregiver app, which allows Age UK staff, relatives and carers to set reminders that pop up on the TV.
Charity chairman George Wood called the veteran’s fundraising “inspiring,” and said the charity wanted to put their share of the money to “good use”.
He explained: “I can’t think of a more fitting project – supporting our elderly and vulnerable patients to get home from hospital, while also offering initiatives, such as Sparko, to reduce social isolation and loneliness, which have been exacerbated due to the pandemic. It has also been a great opportunity to work collaboratively across our communities, such as with Age UK.”
Red2Green transformation facilitator Mike Exford added: “This scheme is making a huge difference to our patients, who we know would prefer to be in their own homes where possible. It also lessens their risk of potential harm, such as loss of independence, common after long hospital stays. Not only that, it’s improving patient flow through our hospitals and freeing up our acute therapists to focus on those patients who really need them.”