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Welcome to the August 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 August!

Click here to find out how you can get involved in our upcoming events!

UHNM Charity-funded kitchen refurbishment to improve experience and comfort of Neonatal parents

The experience and comfort of parents whose new-born babies are receiving care at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been improved thanks to hospital charity funding.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital has been able to refurbish its patient and visitor kitchen after receiving a grant from UHNM Charity.

Funding from the hospital charity has enabled staff from NICU to install a band-new fitted kitchen and improve seating and dining facilities.

Katy Edwards, NICU Matron, said: “These improvements made to NICU, thanks to support from UHNM Charity, will benefit parents, their families and loved ones during their most difficult times. More

Lucy and friends complete two day Peak District trek for UHNM Charity

Well done and thank you to Lucy Randles and friends for completing a 30-mile, two-day fundraising walk across the Peak District earlier this month!

Lucy along with friends Deb, Sandy and Zara completed their challenge to raise funds for cancer services at both the Royal Stoke and County hospital in Stafford.

Lucy said: “It was a real challenge, but we all did it, walking from Ellastone to Hartington on day one, and Hartington to Wirksworth on day two. We all overcame our own injuries and illnesses over the last year, from strokes to knee replacements to slipped discs, so this walk was not without its challenges.” More>

Fundraiser takes on 107 mile journey to raise money for UHNM Charity

On January 13, 2024, Michael Holden had a heart attack. After starting up with chest pains, he immediately called an ambulance, and within minutes he was being assessed by paramedics, beginning his treatment. After over a week of tests at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, he was told he needed bypass surgery and was put on the waiting list for UHNM.

On January 24, Michael was taken to UHNM and given life-saving quadruple cardiac bypass surgery. He is now able to look forward to a future with his family.

Only a couple of months later, Michael is now planning on taking on a 107-mile walk/cycle from Scourie to John o’ Groats. Aiming to raise £10,000 for stress awareness, increasing awareness about hypertension, and donating money to the Cardiac Team at UHNM. More>

Fundraiser braves the shave and raises £450 for UHNM Charity

After discovering his father had a form of throat cancer, Shane Stokes struggled to come to terms with it; however, now that he has recovered, it was time to go under the razor for UHNM Charity.

Shane raised £450 through a sponsored head shave at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in aid of cancer services at UHNM.

Shane, who works for Sodexo at the Royal Stoke University Hospital said: "My dad was diagnosed I was very upset, I broke down, but luckily he's made a recovery following the operation. My colleagues are fantastic and I've built a great relationship with staff at the Cancer Centre." More>

Lights out, and away we go! Young karting star raises money for UHNM Charity

Jay Leverton and his family recently raised funds for UHNM Charity by organizing a charity go-karting event.

This initiative was driven by a deeply personal experience. When Jay was born six weeks prematurely, his family received exceptional care from the hospital staff, and his mother was profoundly grateful for their support and the excellent facilities.

The go-karting event successfully blended fun and philanthropy, engaging the community while generating significant financial support. This event not only raised funds but also increased awareness of the essential role UHNM Charity plays in supporting the hospital and its patients. More>

Running club raises over £2,000 in memory of member Dr Alison Brind

We were delighted to welcome members of Stone Master Marathoners to the Royal Stoke, who have raised over £2,000 in memory of friend and club member Dr Alison Brind.

Dr Brind, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and avid runner and walker, sadly passed away in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Wishing to honour her memory, the club set about a series of fundraising initiatives during spring and summer. More

Critical Care Consultant to embark on coast-to-coast cycling challenge

Dr Fernando Rodriguez-Albarran, Critical Care Consultant at UHNM is setting out on a mission to raise funds for UHNM Charity, by cycling from the North Sea to the Irish Sea, Whitehaven to Sunderland, in only three days!

Dr. Rodriguez-Albarran said "Working for UHNM and the Critical Care Unit has made a big change in my life. Is not only that offered me the possibility to improve and be settled in my career, is also the amazing people that I am working with. If I am better is because they are there, helping, supporting, smiling." Click here to donate.

Stafford Castle Golf Club raise tee-riffic amount for UHNM Charity

Helen Paling set out to raise money for UHNM Charity recently by hosting her very own Coffee Morning.

The Lady Captain at Castle Golf & Leisure club in Stafford sadly received the news that her husband had Prostate Cancer, which then had spread.

After witnessing her husband undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy at both Stafford County Hospital and Stoke Hospital, Helen wanted to give back to thank the staff for their hard work and compassionate care. More>

Make us your chosen charity too! If your business, club or organisation is looking for its next partnership, then consider a meaningful and local one with UHNM Charity. By partnering with us you'll be making a difference to the lives of local people. Find out more>

Pot Luck Staff Lottery Winner: June 2024

Congratulations to Rob Platt from the Specialised surgery Management Team for winning June’s Pot Luck top prize of £3,040.

See all of June’s winners and details on how to join the staff lottery. More>

Run Alton Towers for FREE with UHNM Charity

UHNM Charity is excited to have partnered with Run Alton Towers and is inviting colleagues from across UHNM to join Team UHNM Charity and lace up their trainers to help improve patient care and experience.

The chip-timed event, which takes place at Alton Towers on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024, starts and finishes within the theme park with runners able to choose between a 5k, 10k or half marathon distance, as well as a kid’s race, making it ideal for all abilities and members of the family too.

Plus, once you’ve crossed the finish line, you’ll be rewarded with not only a medal but a day’s complimentary access to the theme park. All we ask for is a minimum sponsorship amount. Register here>

Enter the ballot for the London Landmarks Half Marathon

Grab your trainers and get running to help us improve patient care and experience at UHNM!

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a exciting, closed-road run taking you past some of the city's famous attractions and beautiful views.

With a flat route and fantastic atmosphere, it's the perfect half marathon for beginners or experienced runners chasing a personal best.

You'll start on Pall Mall and run through central London, crossing the historic Westminster Bridge to finish by Downing Street. The route takes in impressive views of Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye.

When is the London Landmarks Half Marathon?

The London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) takes place on Sunday 6 April 2025

London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025 UHNM Charity places

Enter UHNM Charity’s ballot for the half marathon today by signing up below for a chance to be awarded one of our charity places.

• We'll ask you why you'd like to run for us, and for your vest size.
• You'll need to commit to raising a minimum of £350 in sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid).

Already got a your place via LLHM Ballot?

If you are lucky enough to secure your own place through the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025 ballot, we'd love for you to join our team and fundraise to help patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford. There is no minimum fundraising commitment; we would only ask you to raise what you can. Both charity place and ballot runners receive the same amazing support from our dedicated team.

Find out more here.

Did you know you can help us to make an even bigger impact to patient care and experience at UHNM by setting up a monthly donation? Visit our website to find out more! Donate now!