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UHD Charity

Dorset’s ‘Quarrymen’ deliver Christmas cheer on charity toy run

By Latest News

Dorset’s Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association took on a festive fundraising drive for hospital patients living with dementia.

Known in the local area as the ‘’Quarrymen’, this fantastic group of men held their annual Christmas Run last weekend (Sunday 26 November) for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

In their ride starting from different areas in the county, the team passed by every masonic building across Dorset collecting donations from each individual lodge to go towards activities for patients on the wards at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital who are living with dementia.

A member of this particular Association, Tony Collins said: “This year we chose to support these particular patients because as we all know, there is no cure for dementia. A person can live well with dementia but cannot get better from it. Some people with dementia need a lot of help and others may not need any additional nursing care for a long time.”

“We wanted to help fund activities that can help prevent people living with dementia from becoming withdrawn and instead help them to feel stimulated and engaged. I am aware that almost every lodge will know a brother that is affected by this illness, whether directly themselves or indirectly through partners, parents or grandparents. It is great that we can contribute in some way to our local hospitals and their patients.”

Community Fundraiser, Janine Golding said; “What a fabulous day we had! It was amazing to see everybody getting into the festive spirit in fancy dress and going the extra mile to help provide a bit of joy to some of our patients by raising £1,310 to gift these activities to those that need them most. Thank you so much!”

Remember a loved one this Christmas and light up our tree

By Latest News

Make the memory of your loved one shine bright this festive period by supporting the Light Up Our Tree Christmas campaign, launched by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

The Christmas countdown has begun for many with Christmas cakes already in the oven and shopping underway. However, for some, it can be a difficult time of year. Especially for those with loved ones that are no longer with us today.

Light Up Our Tree is your opportunity to remember cherished family members or friends we have lost, whether or not a loved one was cared for at the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole Hospital.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is inviting everybody across Dorset and the surrounding areas to make a donation and write the names of your loved ones on a candle decoration to be displayed at either the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole Hospitals over the Christmas period.

For 37-year-old Aimee Aldersley from Bournemouth, this will be the first Christmas without both parents.

Last Christmas she and her twin sister spent Christmas day visiting their dad at Poole Hospital, hoping to share Christmas video messages from their brother, the grandchildren and family and friends. Sadly, he was unresponsive until New Year’s Eve. After 7 months in Critical Care, the stroke ward and the Acute Brain Injury Unit, their dad passed away on Sunday 15 January.

Their mum also passed away throughout the Christmas season on Friday 10 December 2020 after living with Amyloidosis, Myeloma and kidney failure. While both parents passed away for different illnesses and in different ways, the care they received from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is something that will never be forgotten.

Aimee says: “Throughout the covid pandemic, the medical team did all they could to get mum home for her palliative care just like she wanted and the staff on the Portland Ward cared for dad until his very last moments. In such difficult circumstances we grew close to everybody on the wards and depended on them more than ever.”

“Losing not just one parent but two in almost 2 years is unimaginable. We still can’t believe it. If you have ever lost a loved one and would like to show your support to NHS staff who help people like mum and dad every day, please donate today. Our irreplaceable memories are with us every day, but this candle will represent the light they have left behind in our hearts.”

The local community can make their donation and candle dedication  here.

Super seven skydivers reach for the sky to support their local hospitals

By Latest News

Seven staff members from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust recently took the leap and to the skies to jump 10,000ft and 15,000ft to support The Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals. 

Taking on the once in a lifetime experience at GoSkydive in Salisbury was Ali Whyte, Molly Lopez, Rachel Gregory, Kim Davis, Fiona Sowerby, Amira Al-Bittar and Charlotte Pontin-Thomas.

This super seven had individual motivations to take on this courageous challenge and decided to fundraise for a mixture of areas within University Hospitals Dorset.

First up was Ali Whyte who works within the eye department at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital and was keen to support the Eye Sim Appeal for a revolutionary simulator for eye surgery to help train the new generation of eye surgeons across Wessex and Dorset.

Molly Lopez is a nurse for Ward 15 at Bournemouth Hospital and took to the skies to raise funds for a new pull-out bed for relatives who are visiting loved ones who are receiving palliative care. These patients need their families, and their families need comfort during such a precious time which is something Moly is especially keen to support.

Molly says: “Our patients go through a lot during their last days of life, and we would like to provide families with a comfortable place to rest during this time with a loved one. This will make this challenging time just that little bit easier.”

Thirdly, Rachel Gregory who works as an Assistant Medical Equipment Co-ordinator braved the 15,000ft jump to support all three hospitals, NHS staff and their patients. Rachel says: “I always wanted to do a skydive so when I saw the charity skydive advertised, my thoughts were its now or never. I am so grateful for all the sponsorship people have given me. There is so many departments in need of different things. I am so pleased I can show my support.”

Joining Rachel was Kim Davis and Fiona Sowerby who work in Finance for the Trust who were keen to leap into action to support their hospitals while ticking off a personal passion on their bucket list.

Not stopping there, Amira Al-Bittar who works as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department followed in her flight from a Cessna Super Cargomaster – the fastest tandem skydiving aircraft in the UK to raise funds to support her colleagues in the Pathology and Microbiology department.

Last by no means least is Charlotte Pontin-Thomas who is one of PAs to the fantastic cancer care team at Poole Hospital has fundraised her way through cycl-athons and cake sales to raise funds to support the Cancer Care Unit.

Go team!

It’s no close shave for the local Radiotherapy Team this Movember

By Latest News

From left to right: Lewis, David, Kyle, John, Abhishek.

The Radiotherapy Team from Poole Hospital are growing their finest moustaches this month to raise funds for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

Half-way through Movember, a group of Radiotherapy Radiographers, Physicists and Engineers from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust are resisting the urge to stay clean-shaven this month in their growing efforts to support their patients.

So far, the team have passed their fundraising target of £750 and have already reached the £870 mark.

Every penny raised will allow the team to purchase equipment in Radiotherapy; helping to improve their existing treatment in the Radiotherapy department and to continue providing the best care they can for their patients.

Community Fundraiser, Janine Golding said: “I absolutely love the engagement in this activity from right across the team, all going above and beyond to raise funds for their department. It really is fantastic fun to see and I can’t wait to see the final results on the 30 November.”

“It’s the community and team spirit of activities like this that really show the value our charity can have for our NHS staff and their patients. Together we can purchase new equipment that can really make a difference. Thank you to everybody involved.”

Senior Radiographer, Lewis Powell said: “We are keen to fundraise, but it isn’t always easy knowing what way to do it. But the answer was under our noses all along. We are extremely grateful for all the generous donations. It has been a great way to raise money for a good cause whilst having a bit of fun within the team.”

To support Lewis and the team, you can visit JustGiving.com to see their latest updates and photos.

Light Up Our Tree

By Events
Remember a loved one and light up our tree

Light Up Our Tree is your opportunity to mark the remembrance of cherished family members or friends who are sadly not with us today.

Over the festive period, we know how important it is to remember those we have lost, whether or not a loved one was cared for at one of our hospitals.

When loved one’s pass, we remember them every day, but we know Christmas can be a particularly poignant time for many to keep their special memories shining bright throughout the festive season.

We’re inviting everybody to make a donation and write the names of your loved ones on a candle decoration and we will display it at either the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole Hospitals over the Christmas period.

You can make your donation and candle dedication by completing and returning the form below or calling our charity office on:
0300 019 4060 / 8449 (Mon – Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm)

Christmas Carols

By Events

Christmas Carol Services

Please join us this December for our University Hospitals Dorset Christmas Carol services.

It is a nice way for the local community to come together and join their NHS staff for a time to enjoy some Christmas carols led by the amazing Rising Voices and some Christmas cheer. It is also a time to reflect, remember loved ones who are no longer with us in a moment of remembrance. You may also like to mark the special memory of a loved one close to you by taking time to add your personal candle to our
Light up our Tree campaign.

Thursday 14 December 2023
The atrium at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital from 12 noon. This will be led by one of our governors, Diane Smelt.

Thursday 21 December 2023
In the Chapel at Christchurch Hospital from 2pm. This will be led by one of our lovely Chaplains, Duncan Ridgeon.

Friday 22 December 2023
In the Atrium at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital starting from 3pm. This service will also be led by Duncan Ridgeon.

We are still awaiting the details for the service that will be taking place in the Dome at Poole Hospital. Please stay tuned for more information coming soon.

Refreshments will be provided.

Elf Dash

By Events
​Thank you to all of our ELF-tastic dashers for joining us this year

Thank you to all of our ELF-tastic dashers for joining us for Elf Dash this year. The event was kindly sponsored by John Lewis, Poole, where over 200 of our amazing supporters came together for a festive-filled fundraiser for our hospital’s children’s wards. Our special guest, Father Christmas, warmed up our participants before setting off on their 2km dash along the seafront.

The elves from Haskins, Ferndown created a beautiful grotto and prepared soft toys to be hand delivered on the day by Santa himself.

Thank you to everybody involved including the Rapid Relief Team for providing a complimentary hot drink and snack and Mr Pops Balloons who created some festive themed balloon art!

Please head to our Facebook page to view the event gallery that is coming soon at: www.facebook.com/UHDcharity/

Dash along the sand for your local hospitals this Christmas

By Latest News, News
Dash along the sand for your local hospitals this Christmas 

Get ready to lace up your trainers and unleash your inner elf at one of Dorset’s most magical events of the season – Elf Dash!

With just eight weeks left to go until Christmas Day, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is calling everybody to get involved in a 2km festive fun run on Saturday 2 December 2023.

Starting from Branksome Dene Seafront at 11am, Elf Dash is set to bring all the festive joy and elf-fashioned fun as everybody across Dorset comes together to celebrate Christmas.

Every penny raised from this popular event will help give a child in hospital a brighter Christmas and support the Children’s wards and services beyond the festive season.

After crossing the finish line, indulge in a jolly good complimentary gourmet burger and hot drink provided by our friends at Rapid Relief.

Not stopping there, every participant will receive an elf hat to wear to join in the festive cheer and get ready for a visit from Santa himself!

Fundraising Officer and Event organiser, Amy Beauchamp said: “Our events have been really popular this year, but Elf Dash has that magical feel at one of the most loved times of year! This event is all about having fun with the little ones as you start the countdown to Christmas! Elf Dash is usually a sell-out with a limit to 300 people so don’t miss out!”

Elf Dash tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £8 per child. Or a family ticket for two adults and two children saves you £6 at £35.

Everybody taking part is encouraged to raise £75 in sponsorship which goes towards helping our children’s wards including; the Children’s Development Centre, the programme for Diabetic Children of Dorset East, Gully’s Place, Maternity, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Music Therapy and the Paediatric department.

The money raised will contribute to items, such as; new equipment above what the NHS funds, activity packs, presents and games for children on our wards. This event provides an opportunity for all the family to start their Christmas celebrations while making a magical difference to many children who need the extra support of NHS staff, not just for Christmas but in 2024 and beyond.

Sign up now at UHDcharity.org/elf-dash or by calling 0300 019 4060/8449.

David Harris takes on half-marathon cider race after recovery

By Latest News

David Harris takes on half-marathon cider race after recovery

40 year-old, David Harris from Hamworthy received a diagnosed of bowel cancer at the age of 38 in April 2021. His health took a sharp downturn when he started experiencing respiratory difficulties.

David who was typically an active individual, found himself struggling to climb stairs without feeling breathless. While he initially attributed his fatigue to the demands of parenting a young toddler with his wife, he decided to seek medical advice. Thankfully, after undergoing tests, David received prompt treatment following his cancer diagnosis.

Fast forward 2 years and David has just completed his first half-marathon, with a twist! On 19 August, David took on the Henley Ciderthon to raise funds for the Cancer Care Unit at Poole Hospital.

This popular fun run was David’s way to work his way back to fitness after recovering from Bowel cancer. This is a light-hearted fancy dress half marathon where you get a quarter of a cup of cider or soft drink every 2 miles along the course.

Dressed as the Walrus Crew, David was joined by his brother and a friend for the race and his whole family and circle of friends came along to cheer them on.

With the help of all his friends and family, David raised an amazing £2,055 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. Every penny has been chosen by David to go towards the Cancer Care Unit to thank the team for the care he received as part of his chemotherapy treatment and surgery. David has been working hard with a special recovery trainer to regain his strength and rebuild his fitness.

Determined to resume back to normality at home with his wife, Victoria and daughter Elizabeth, David is now back to his camping, kayaking and all things family fun. Not stopping there, David the opportunity to re-train in something new and studying counselling, especially as he found it helpful to process the last few years.

Fundraising Officer, Amy Beauchamp say’s: ‘David’s positivity is infectious. It is fantastic to see how him looking forward now and celebrating how far he’s come. This fundraising activity is certainly something different but that’s what fundraising is all about, having fun and I am pleased he’s enjoyed raising funds along the way!”

Sharing his advice to anybody who has a cancer diagnosis, David say’s “Be organised and write down what you are told at your appointments. Recognise the things you can’t do and accept it, you can’t waste energy worrying about what you can’t do as it slows down your recovery. You have to redefine your idea of a good day and stay positive where you can.”

David is now having yearly observations instead and while David’s running shoes may be hung up for winter, he’s promised to return to the Henley Ciderthon next year.

Walk for Wards

By Events

What a fabulously-fun day out for all the family.

More than 320 people across Dorset came together to enjoy a family-friendly day out on Saturday 14 October 2023 at Upton Country Park for our flagship fundraising event, Walk for Wards.

People grabbed their wellies and walking boots on ready to walk 3km, 5km or a 10km route around the beautiful grounds, taking in the stunning scenery through the Woodlands and along Poole Bay before enjoying the locals-makers market, delicious refreshments and live music.

While the fundraising is continuing, the final amount raised will be shared in the next six weeks or so.

Thank you to everybody who walked for a ward close to their heart. Whether people walked in memory of a loved one or simply wanted to support their local hospitals while enjoying a great day out, the community spirit was amazing and it was great to hear everybody enjoying the event.

If you joined in all the action and would like to see the photos from the full gallery, please use this link and the password: Walk4wards

You may even spot yourself!

The fun doesn’t have to stop here though, we’re already excited to get into the festive spirit and hold the charity’s wonderfully jolly Elf Dash event for 2023. It is always a sell-out event so be quick to get your tickets if you are hoping to join us for some elf-fashioned fun, you can find out all about it here.