News story
24 December 2024
‘Magical’ and ‘rewarding’ were the words used to describe a day of handing out Christmas presents and chocolates to staff and patients to ensure that every patient in Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie on Christmas Day will have a present to open.
The festive gifts were paid for by caring staff from Ely firm, Cambridge Commodities, who spend the year fundraising for the two hospitals through Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).
An annual Christmas Ball focuses on giving back – with proceeds from the event ensuring that every patient in hospital over the festive season will receive a gift. Their thoughtfulness extends to all the staff too, who receive a box of chocolates in appreciation.
Handing them out last week, ready for Christmas, was a team of staff from Cambridge Commodities and ACT.
James Stevens, CEO of Cambridge Commodities (fifth from left), said: “One of the most special times in the year is Christmas and every year, at our annual festive Ball, we raise money to pay for every patient who wakes up on Christmas Day to receive a gift.”
“It’s just the most incredible feeling to have spent the day with members of my team who have been handing out presents they wrapped only a few days ago.“
“One of my favourite feelings from today is we get to wake up on Christmas morning knowing that hopefully we have brought a smile to someone who is not having the best time, and if we can bring a little bit of love and a smile to people’s lives, that makes my Christmas.”
Nikki, one of James’ team of helpers, (first on the left), said the day had extra special meaning for her as it marked the one-year anniversary of her dad’s death.
Her dad, Michael, had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and had been cared for by staff at Addenbrooke’s.
“He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment at Addenbrooke’s and the staff were just amazing. It seems insignificant giving out chocolates as a way of saying thank you but the staff don’t realise the work they do. My dad was a single parent and we were incredibly close and the staff were just phenomenal with him. No question was ever too silly. Their care was second to none.”
“Today has been incredible. As well as the presents for patients, we have bought a box of chocolates for all the staff and although it’s only a box of chocolates to say thank you, today has been very, very rewarding.”
Natasha Robertson, Corporate Partnerships Manager at ACT said: “Today has been so magical and really demonstrates the difference that a heartfelt act of kindness makes and the strength of partnerships and making a difference together.”
Paul White, (first on left), ACT’s Director of Communications and Impact, said: “Being in hospital at any time is really difficult but never more so than over Christmas. Showing staff and patients that there are people out there thinking of them and caring makes a world of difference. Cambridge Commodities have been working towards this all year and for them to be here today to be part of it is fantastic.”
Ashwitha Rai, a nutrition assistant who will be working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, thanked ACT and Cambridge Commodities saying: “It makes a lot of difference for the staff as well as the patients.”
As well as handing out presents to staff, James also got to visit one of the wards where some of the elderly patients will be spending Christmas Day.
Ninety-year-old Cynthia, pictured with Paul and James, had only been admitted the night before. She said she normally spent Christmas with about 16 or 17 family members including her son, grandchildren and great grandchildren and said receiving the special gift from Cambridge Commodities and ACT was “marvellous.”
Ben’s Yard, in Ely, also got involved in the special event by donating their marquee and refreshments as a space for Christmas wrapping, providing their own team of staff to help wrap presents too.
To find out about volunteer opportunities at ACT, visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/volunteer
Corporates who would like to support ACT as Charity of the Year can also get in touch by emailing: corporatepartnerships@act4addenbrookes.org.uk
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