Last summer, 13 year old Fliss, spent time on the Children’s Ward during two separate stays. While she was there, her family noticed how busy the ward could get. They saw that there were two children’s wheelchairs available, which was brilliant, but they wondered if more might be needed during peak times.
During her stays, Fliss also enjoyed the crafts, books and games on the ward. She especially loved spending time with Jane, the Play Specialist, who made sure she always had something fun to do.
After going home, Fliss decided she wanted to thank the staff who had cared for her and her family. She set a goal to raise £300 for to help buy another children’s wheelchair for the ward. With help from her Grandma, sister Tilly, and friends, she organised a bake sale and created handmade crafts on her sewing machine to sell at her old primary school’s Christmas Fair.
Thanks to her hard work, the fundraiser reached £350. The money will help buy a new wheelchair, and anything left will go towards toys, crafts and other essentials for young patients.
Fliss’s mum Claire said: “The staff on the ward were amazing. They looked after our whole family, and we felt very cared for. They are an absolute credit to the NHS, and we felt very safe in their care.”
Fliss’s kindness and determination have made a real difference for other children who will use the ward in the future.
Fundraise
North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity