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Welcome to the January UHNM Charity Newsletter!

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Welcome to the UHNM Charity Newsletter!

Here's what we and our supporters have been up to this January!

‘I Never Stop’: Fundraising UHNM consultant gastroenterologist publishes memoirs to inspire those living with cancer

A fundraising consultant gastroenterologist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has put pen to paper on her life’s memoirs in a bid to inspire those living with cancer and raise funds for UHNM Charity.

Dr Alison Brind was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2022 and has since raised almost £11,000 for liver disease at UHNM.

‘I Never Stop’ is a collection of diary entries detailing Dr Brind’s travels in areas across the globe including the Himalayas, Africa and South America.

She said: “Having been to some amazing places and done some amazing things, I wanted to share the joy I had travelling. My grandmother, grandfather, aunt and mother self-published books of their life stories, so my mission was to self-publish my travel diaries. Read more>

Family friend runs two half marathons to raise funds for Child Cancer Unit

The family friend of a former child cancer patient has laced up his trainers to run two half marathons in aid of the Unit who treated her.

Emily Franks was 14 years old when she was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, requiring twelve rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke.

Paul Bentham from Cheddleton ran the Stafford Half and Potters ‘Arf mararthon raising over £1,600.

He said: “I’ve been a family friend of Emily for a number of years. I was amazed how well she was juggling her cancer treatment with the last couple of years of high school and all her exams.

“I’ve always ran off and on over the past few years and decided I wanted to enter the Stafford Half and Potter’s ‘Arf marathons to fundraise for UHNM Charity. Read more>

UHNM Charity Ball

We're returning with another ball, to make more memories and raise more funds for UHNM Charity!

In partnership with title sponsors L D Property and WDPS Stoke Ltd, we are taking UHNM to Hollywood.

With tickets available to purchase now at damantholdings.co.uk/events you can join us for an Oscar-worthy night on November 8th 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Ten members of staff from across University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust are set to tackle the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 7 April 2024 in a bid to raise vital funds for UHNM Charity.

A team of both clinical and non-clinical staff will be lacing up their trainers to race 13.1 miles through central London alongside 19,000 other runners. Donate here>

Wellbeing bags bring smiles to cancer patients

Pupils from two local schools brought smiles to the faces of patients receiving cancer treatment at UHNM with a donation of wellbeing bags.

The bags, put together by pupils from St Thomas’ in Tean and the Faber Catholic School in Coton, contained pick-me-up items including toiletries, sweet treats and puzzles and were given to those receiving oncology treatment at Royal Stoke’s Cancer Centre.

Teacher Maria Otley said: “We decided to create these wellbeing bags for patients when they’re going through cancer as they need a comforting pick me up that makes them feel better.

“We have lots of parents, families and staff who have been going through treatment so we decided as a school we would like to support people in a way we can do best.

“Pupils from Nursery all the way to Year Six were involved. We held a non-uniform day and rather than bring in a pound we asked pupils to bring in an item to go into these wellbeing bag. They brought in rather a lot! Read more>

Christmas 2023 at UHNM Charity

UHNM Charity made Christmas 2023 our biggest and best ever, spreading festive cheer to staff and patients at both Royal Stoke and County Hospital. Here’s how we made Christmas 2023 one to remember!

#BeEpic Christmas Campaign

UHNM Charity launched a brand-new Christmas campaign, encouraging businesses and individuals to donate to UHNM Charity, not just for Christmas but everyday. UHNM is a 24/7 operation, and whilst we benefit from increased donations at Christmas, our Christmas Everyday campaign encouraged people and local businesses to make lasting donations that can make a real difference all year round.

Best Dressed Tree Competition

We were delighted with the response to this year’s Best Dressed Tree Competition, with over 30 entries from Royal Stoke and County Hospital bringing some festive cheer to patients and staff. Congratulations to our winners as chosen by the Trust Executive Team- Children’s High Dependency Unit at Royal Stoke and Maxillofacial at County Hospital

Christmas Choirs

Almost 40 amazing choirs from local schools, charities and other organisations performed at Royal Stoke and County hospitals in the three weeks of December up until Christmas- a UHNM Charity record! Thank you to all our amazing performers.

Special Guests

During the festive period we welcomed a number of special guests to the delight of our patients and staff- both of the two and four-legged variety! Thank you’s go out to Stoke City FC Port Vale FC, Signal 1, Wetley Moor Alpacas, Alton Towers and of course Santa and his Reindeer!

Inpatient Gift Grants

We helped almost 65 wards and departments across both Royal Stoke and County hospitals bring some festive cheer to inpatients on Christmas day by providing grants to fund a small present.