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Author: sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust asks you to support the International Day of the Midwife 2020

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

On Tuesday 5 May, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) would like you to join it in supporting and recognising the midwives that work at the Rosie Hospital as we celebrate the International Day of the Midwife 2020.

During the lockdown, midwives from the Rosie Maternity Service have delivered over 800 babies. Since the arrival of the coronavirus, they have gone above and beyond to meet this challenge, supporting one another to protect women and babies in extraordinary circumstances.

ACT has a long history of supporting maternity services, helping fund the new Rosie in 2013 with £3.5million and continuing to support it today. ACT is now shining a light on the role of these dedicated staff, the essential care they provide to mothers and their new-borns and how they have had to adapt their skills during the current coronavirus crisis.

Lead midwife for the Delivery Unit, Alberto Rodriguez-Cala

Lead midwife for the Rosie Hospital Delivery Unit, Alberto Rodriguez-Cala, is responsible for supporting staff and services to enable the best possible care for women and their families. He said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic is making the day-to-day even more unpredictable, if I had thought that was even possible! The PPE we have to wear does impact on the communication among ourselves and the families we work with. We are also restricting visiting to minimise risk of infection, and as a result, women and their partners are understandably needing a lot more reassurance and emotional support.”

“Public support means everything to us. From an emotional perspective it gives you a sense of purpose and strength to deal with the daily challenges.

Chloe Bagnall is a Midwife and Midwifery Ambassador at the Rosie Hospital. She said:

L-R: Midwife Annette Ballard, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer (CMO) for England, Midwife Chloe Bagnell“

Part of my role as a midwifery ambassador is to visit local schools to promote midwifery as a career choice for young people, but at present, this is on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My role also helps to influence the media representation of the profession and share the crucial role of midwives with the public. During COVID-19, we have been very fortunate to see the local community come together and support our NHS workers, including midwives. Sharing thanks for our midwives is the key focus of International Day of the Midwife. Using the #IThank[EnterMidwivesName] we are encouraging Cambridge, and the rest of the UK, to raise awareness of midwives and their positive impact on families lives.”

ACT provides funding to help the Rosie support mothers and babies at every stage of pregnancy and motherhood – from delivery and midwife care, to post-natal support and emergency care for vulnerable infants. Rosie Hospital services also support women through the upset and difficulty of issues affecting mental health. The charity has a track record in helping to support specialist services such as those in mental health and is supporting Maternal Mental Health Matters Awareness Week this week. This week-long campaign is dedicated to talking about mental illness while pregnant or after having a baby, as well as raising awareness of how people can seek support.

With your help, we can do even more for midwives, women, their babies and families, providing extra comforts, training, specialist services and funding life-changing research into mother and baby care. To help, please donate at www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/donate.

Cheffins raises over £30,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk
This Highland bolthole for a week was one of the fabulous auction lots on offer

**Cheffins press release**

Cheffins has raised £30,610 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). The timed online charity auction was held to support funding for the charity’s COVID-19: Fast Response Fund which has been set up to help Addenbrooke’s Hospital with whatever they need during the coronavirus emergency crisis.

The auction, which was online for a week, featured some 40 lots available for people to bid on.  There were a number of ‘money can’t buy’ items such as the chance to have your name used as a character in the next Jeffrey Archer novel and the opportunity for a party of friends to enjoy a champagne reception and private dinner with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London in their private apartments in Mansion House.

As was to be expected, there was some frantic last-minute bidding in the final minutes before the auction closed at 9pm on Friday. A Lithograph by Sir Antony Gormley OBE entitled ‘Future’, was the top lot and sold to one lucky bidder for £5,500.

Martin Millard, Director, says: “Cheffins has a long history of working with charities and organisations within our local communities. The decision to host the auction for the benefit of ACT during this period of national emergency is our way of supporting our local hospital and the NHS staff and key workers here in Cambridge.  We are utterly dependant on our Addenbrooke’s Hospital and its staff for the care of our friends, colleagues and everyone in the area who may contract coronavirus. The proceeds from the auction will help to support the funds needed by Addenbrooke’s in the front-line war against this pandemic.”

“We would also like to thank everyone who donated lots for this online auction, and those who took the time to register and bid – we could not have done this without their help, generosity and expediency. Raising over £30,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is testament to the high regard we all have for the NHS.”

Shelly Thake, CEO at ACT adds: “We are all absolutely thrilled with Cheffins’ support for our staff at Addenbrooke’s. The support the local community is showing our hospital is inspiring! These funds will help staff at the frontline, research and patient care.”

Cambridge Commodities ‘NHS Heroes’ Easter art competition to boost Addenbrooke’s staff

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Local business, Cambridge Commodities, is launching an art competition over the Easter holidays to raise money to support NHS staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

The Ely-based nutritional ingredient supplier is encouraging everyone to get creative with a theme of ‘our NHS Heroes’.

Winners will have their artwork displayed online and, once the current crisis is over, the opportunity to have their artwork displayed opposite the Museum at Addenbrooke’s Hospital – one of the busiest corridors in the hospital – and will receive their artwork framed after the exhibition has finished.

A suggested minimum donation of £3 is encouraged per entry with donations going to ACT’s Emergency COVID-19 fund, which will provide extra medical equipment, hot meals, psychological support and whatever else staff may need during the coronavirus crisis.

Submissions are welcomed from those aged 0–21 years through the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) website with the deadline for entries Friday 1st May.

Entries will be judged in four age categories by a panel including the Head of Addenbrooke’s Arts and representatives from Cambridge Commodities as well as ACT.

James Stevens CEO, Cambridge Commodities said: “As a local business, we’ve always felt it was our responsibility to support ACT. During this uncertain time our passion for showing our appreciation to the NHS front line only increases.

We are thrilled to be hosting another exciting event which we hope will turn into an annual spectacle. Watching the sheer joy of last years’ winners as they saw their artwork up on the walls of Addenbrooke’s next to the likes of Quentin Blake and Anita Klein was an unforgettable moment. We cannot wait to be a part of this amazing experience once again.

Fundraising for our local hospital has never been so important and we’d love everyone in our community to show their love and support by taking part and maybe we’ll find the next Elaine Pamphilon.”

Shelly Thake, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that the team at Cambridge Commodities are working with us on the art competition again this year. It’s a perfect project to run remotely, giving us the opportunity to occupy children and young people alike during these unusual times as well as giving the staff at the hospital the opportunity of seeing the winners. All the money raised by this initiative will support our Addenbrooke’s NHS heroes right across the whole hospital, and we thank them for all they are doing for us – each and every day. We are hopeful that these drawings can bring a smile to the faces of all those that get to see them. Thank you.”

Sir Andy Murray supports Addenbrooke’s staff heroes with video message

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Two-time Wimbledon and gold Olympic medal winner, Sir Andy, has recorded a message for staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital to thank them for everything they are doing through the coronavirus outbreak.

He said: “This is obviously an extremely difficult time for everyone but none more so than for the healthcare workers, so I just wanted to say a big thanks for all of your hard work, dedication and the sacrifices that you’re making at this time for all of us.”

Having recently visited Addenbrooke’s for a scan before the coronavirus outbreak, Sir Andy said: “Everyone there was fantastic and extremely helpful. I have made a donation to the charity to say thank you very much for everything that you’re doing.”

Shelly Thake, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s (ACT) CEO, said: “Like Sir Andy, we are in awe of the Addenbrooke’s staff who are fighting every day to save patients in impossible circumstances. I’d like to thank him very much on behalf of our NHS heroes for his kind donation to our ‘Help your hospital’ appeal, which will provide staff with the vital equipment and support they need to continue to save patients’ lives.”

Sir Andy’s message can be heard on ACT’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/act4addenbrookes

If you too want to be a champion and support our NHS heroes please donate at helpyourhospital.co.uk or text NHSHEROES 10 to 70085 to donate £10.

Help support Addenbrooke’s and our NHS heroes by setting up a virtual tea break and donating the cost of your cuppa

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

With most of us at home to protect the NHS and save lives by limiting the spread of the coronavirus, it’s important to keep in touch with loved ones, friends and colleagues. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone who is now working at home to set up a virtual tea break at 3pm every day.

And there’s another way that staying home and having a virtual tea break can help our nurses and doctors. If you donate £3, the average price of a takeaway drink, each tea break, it will help local hospital staff fight the coronavirus crisis.

Your money could help fund emotional and physical wellbeing for staff on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis as well as iPads to allow families of patients in intensive care to communicate with their loved ones. Not being able to communicate can be very distressing especially during a crisis like this.

It’s so easy to do. Simply put the kettle on, pop some biccies on a plate, and set up a video call using WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype – or whatever works best. Then drink up, eat up, and enjoy a bit of company. Chat about everything and anything — just make sure you don’t talk about work!

Once teatime is over, then please donate the cost of your usual cuppa to your hospital and NHS heroes who are working hard on the front line to save lives during this unprecedented healthcare crisis. Donating is simple. As a group email fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk to find out more about setting up a fundraiser or as an individual you can Text NHSTEA 3 to 70085 to donate £3 (standard message rates apply).

Emily Willdigg, Community Relationships Lead, said, “Get friends, family and colleagues to join in and try to have fun. Dig out your best mug and make sure there’s cake or biscuits to hand as you countdown to 3pm. Don’t forget to share your photos (or screen grabs) too.”

Please share online using the hashtags #NHSHEROES #ACTCAFE #HELPYOURHOSPITAL # ADDENBROOKES #TEAATTHREE

Thank you for helping our hospital and our NHS Heroes. Your support means so much to those on the frontline.

ACT launches ‘Help your hospital’ appeal

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Please help raise funds to support Addenbrooke’s hospital and its staff during the coronavirus crisis

Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s and Rosie maternity hospitals are under increased pressure during the current crisis. The hospital cannot and will not stop caring for people and its staff are going above and beyond to make sure that this care continues.

We are all being asked to keep indoors, or work from home, or maintain ‘social distance’ from our friends and family but our amazing NHS staff can’t. They have to be there for us all.

Helen Mason, an Addenbrooke’s and Rosie supporter said: “I just want to say thank you to all the amazing NHS staff who are on the frontline right now. We will owe you for everything you do and sacrifice for our care.”

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is asking for your help to support the hospital and it’s amazing people. Unfortunately, due to restrictions the hospital cannot accept physical donations or gifts.Instead, the staff are encouraging people to donate money so that the hospital can best decide where the help goes.

Shelly Thake, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust CEO, said: “It’s truly incredible how many people want to support our fantastic NHS staff and I want to thank their kindness in advance. With their support we can help the hospital and its patients through these uncertain times.”

To donate and make Addenbrooke’s even better for us all please visit helpyourhospital.co.uk or text NHSHEROES 5 to 70085 to donate £5, or text NHSHEROES 10 to 70085 to donate £10.

Announcement regarding COVID-19

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is continuing to work with the hospital to help protect patients and staff at this time and has implemented temporary measures to help reduce the risk of infection including postponing or cancelling non-essential meetings and visits to the hospital until further notice.

For this reason, we have reduced contact with hospital staff and are now working off site to raise as much money as possible to support frontline Addenbrooke’s staff.

For updates on COVID-19 from Addenbrooke’s, please visit the Cambridge University Hospitals website: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/news/communcations/covid-19-update

ACT remains committed to our supporters in helping to make Addenbrooke’s even better for patients. If you need to get in touch with any of our staff, they will be available on their usual work email addresses or you can email hello@act4addenbrookes.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Cambridge woman leaves money for £400,000 ward refurbishment at Addenbrooke’s in her will

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Patients using a renal ward at Addenbrooke’s are to benefit from a more colourful and relaxed approach to hospital life thanks to a legacy from a Cambridge woman.

Ward C5 has undergone a £400,000 nature-inspired transformation paid for using money gifted to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) by Marcia Cunningham – whose best friend had worked on the ward.

Ann Cooper is a sister working in medical outpatients at Addenbrooke’s and was Marcia’s best friend.

She said: “I worked on the renal ward many years ago and she was always interested in what we did. I had no idea that she was leaving the money to the renal service! She lived a very simple quiet life and was the most kind, warm and thoughtful person who enjoyed people.”

Each of the ward’s 24 beds now has a decorative unit at the head, behind which essential services like medical gasses, nurse call, electrical sockets and lighting can be housed. Keeping them out of sight helps maintain a more relaxed atmosphere on the ward to help assist patients in their recovery.

Each unit also has the option of offering dialysis for the kidney patients – reducing the need to move them to another area for treatment.

Addenbrooke’s is believed to the first hospital in the UK to benefit from the head  units – which feature a range of floral and leaf-inspired designs. Each unit automatically illuminates if a patient leaves their bed during times of low light and will light up to guide staff to the appropriate bedside in the event of a patient call or cardiac alarm.

The bedheads have been provided as part of the £400,000 refurbishment project, which includes comfortable furniture, artwork, new nurses’ station and a waiting room.

Laura Wilton-Cox, senior sister on C5, said: “It looks amazing and will make a real difference to all the patients who will use the ward. We are very grateful to Marcia for the donation. I hope what we have done with her legacy to improve the wellbeing of patients on the ward would have made her proud and a nice touch is it also features her favourite flowers and trees.”

Shelly Thake, ACT’s CEO, said: “This is a wonderful example of how working in partnership with the hospital can make great things happen. We are hugely indebted to Marcia for her generosity, which has made such a difference for patients on ward C5, enabling them to be treated in altogether more inspiring and comfortable surroundings. Her kind legacy will be felt by many for years to come.”

Funding news

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Grant applications
Applications for research, innovation and patient benefit (Professional Advisory Committee) are now open. Further information and application forms can be found here

  • The next deadline for Professional Advisory Committee applications is 9am on Monday 6th January 2020
  • The next deadline for Innovation applications is 9am on Monday 10th February 2020.
  • Applications for research can be submitted at any time.

Talk to us!
We know it isn’t always easy to know how to apply for funding and what to do. Sometimes it’s helpful just to talk to someone. On 17 December and 17 January we’re going to be offering drop-in Funding and Fundraising Clinics in the main hospital reception. Running between 11:00 and 14:00, these clinics offer an ideal opportunity to talk to us about specific things, be it funding-related or about fundraising. Just drop in. No appointment necessary!

Another date for the diary is our next Fund Advisors’ Forum on Wednesday 22 January, 13:00 to 14:30.  These sessions are a good opportunity for us to get together and talk about what’s going well, what’s not going so well and how we can improve. We will use the next meeting to discuss proposed improvements, including to our grants programme, how we manage funds and the way we evaluate and monitor projects. We’d love to get your input and for you to be involved in the discussion.

Please let us know if you can join us by sending an email to fundsandgrants@act4addenbrookes.org.uk.

Celebrity Hunted fugitive hides out at Addenbrooke’s

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk
Jean-Christophe Novelli and his 3 sons

Celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is currently appearing as a fugitive on the run on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer, stopped off at Addenbrooke’s during one of the episodes, shining a light on the hospital where his son was treated for neuroblastoma two years ago.

Jean-Christophe as well as one of the programme’s hunters, former soldier, best-selling author and extreme adventurer – Jordan Wylie – both star in the episode and are lending their support to Addenbrooke’s latest campaign to fund the first dedicated Emergency Children’s Ambulance Service for the East of England.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust has already raised £108,000 through generous donations to kit out one ambulance, and is well on the way to fundraising for a second to keep even more desperately ill children alive during transfers and reduce the long waiting times for an ambulance from London.

Jean-Christophe said: “We are in awe of the NHS and so thankful for how it has helped our family in recent years. Now we want to help other families whose children need to get to hospital quickly in an ambulance that is kitted out with special equipment to keep them alive.”

Jordan Wylie said: “When I heard that Addenbrooke’s was raising funds for a dedicated Emergency Children’s Ambulance Service, I wanted to do all I could to help. Regular 999 ambulances don’t have the specialist equipment needed to keep critically ill children alive during transfers and so for those having to wait for an ambulance from London, the delay must be simply unbearable.”

To help ACT get the second children’s ambulance on the road, please visit act4addenbrookes.org.uk/ambulance.

You can tune in to see the Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer episode featuring Addenbrooke’s on Sunday 3 November at 9pm on Channel 4.