NUH teams take to the water to boost fundraising appeals for neonates and rehabilitation
Teams from across Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) recently took on Dragon Boat racing in support of the Big Appeal for our new expanded neonatal unit and for the National Rehabilitation Centre.
Nottingham Hospitals’ Charity’s annual Dragon Boat race took place over three days with 29 teams taking part.
More than £5,500 has already been raised by four teams in support of the Big Appeal, raising money for the Maternity and Neonatal Redesign Programme (MNR). The teams included an MNR team named ‘Babies R Us’ and Trust Dragons, a team fielded by the Corporate Division, and two teams put together by the general public.
The Dragon Boat races are just the latest of a whole host of fundraising activities which have been undertaken to support the neonates Big Appeal since its launch back in September 2023. In May, members of the MNR programme team raised more than £2,500 by taking part in our first ever Robin Run 5K at Sherwood Pines and running a tombola stall.
May also saw a special charity golf day being held at Wollaton Park Golf Club where teams made up from NUH staff and local businesses took part in games raising almost a further £4,000 for the cause. All donations received will be going towards funding a dedicated ultrasound machine for the unit so that babies do not need to be transferred to other areas for scans and homely additions such as artwork and furniture to make surroundings more welcoming and comfortable for families.
Jenni Twinn, Programme Director for MNR, said: “We are so grateful and so proud of the teams who have taken part in the various fundraising activities to help boost funds for the Big Appeal.
“The money raised will go towards providing specialist equipment, as well as enabling us to go the extra mile to create comfortable and welcoming surroundings for babies and their families on the new Neonatal Unit which is currently under construction at QMC. I’d like to express my appreciation and say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.”
Alongside the MNR fundraising team at the Dragon Boat race was the ‘National Rehab Centre’ team, racing to boost charity donations for the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) currently under construction near Loughborough and due to open next year. The team raised almost £1,500 which will be used to help provide the NRC with the most high-tech and specialist rehabilitation equipment, significantly improving both the rehabilitation experience and outcomes for patients.
Sandy Walsh, Director of Operations for the NRC, said: “The NRC team made a fantastic effort at the Dragon Boat race to raise funds that will allow us to provide additional, specialist rehabilitation equipment. These differences really will make a huge difference for our patients at the NRC on their road to recovery.”
Sophie Parkins, Corporate Relationship and Events Manager at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We have been blown away by the support for our Dragon Boat Race events, which for the first time took place over three days this year. The enthusiasm and excitement at all the events was brilliant, despite the changeable weather!
“It’s always moving to see members of hospital staff get involved in fundraising for their areas of the hospital – not only do they work hard every day to care for patients, but these teams have truly gone above and beyond by also raising money in their spare time to help provide the best possible care.”
People across the East Midlands can still support the Big Appeal by making a donation, taking part in one of Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s fundraising events, holding their own event, or pledging a gift in their will. To find out more about the Big Appeal or to make a donation, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/bigappeal.
For more information on the Maternity and Neonatal Redesign programme and the National Rehabilitation Centre visit Maternity and Neonatal Redesign Programme | NUH and The National Rehabilitation Centre | NUH