Pictured: Chemotherapy Unit staff at Royal Blackburn Hospital
ELHT&Me, the official charity for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, has thanked public, patients and staff for their generosity as fundraising donations for its £1 Million Appeal have soared to £250,000 in a just a few months.
The NHS officially turns 70 on Thursday 5 July and individuals and community groups across East Lancashire can show their support for the NHS by contributing to the £1 Million Appeal. All funds raised are spent here in East Lancashire to benefit local patients of local hospitals.
“Over the last 70 years the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world,” said Christine Hughes, Director of Communications and Engagement.
“And helping behind the scenes are dedicated NHS charities, including our own official East Lancashire Hospitals charity, ELHT&Me and our £1 Million Appeal.”
“There’s never been a better time for the public to show how much they value our most cherished national institution.
There are more 70 ways to support the ELHT&Me £1 Million Appeal.
· Text ELHT44 followed by £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.
· You can sign up to payroll giving,
· become an easy fundraiser at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/elhtme/,
· donate at www.justgiving.com/elhtcf or
· by hosting a special NHS70 event, with proceeds donated to ELHT&Me (@ELHT_Charity) - It’s not too late to hold your event, there is still time to register.”
Launched just four months ago, hundreds of contributions both large and small have been received as the £1 Million Appeal surpasses expectations to show how much the NHS means to the people of East Lancashire.
“It has been truly humbling to see the appeal raise this huge amount of money so quickly,” says Christine Hughes, Director of Communications at East Lancashire Hospitals.
“Our thanks and gratitude go to all those who have raised funds or made donations, as well as those who have given their time to support their local hospital charity, ELHT&Me."
Since February, a number of wards, departments and clinics have benefitted from fundraising efforts, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Chemotherapy Units at Blackburn and Burnley hospitals, and the Childrens Ward at Royal Blackburn.
“The aim of the ELHT&Me £1 Million Appeal is to create better hospitals for all by raising much-needed funds to make more improvements right across the Trust,” added Christine.
“This will see improvements for children and babies’ health, supporting cancer patients, improving equipment, making patient areas more friendly, and improving the whole patient experience.”
For more details about supporting ELHT&Me and East Lancashire Hospitals, call Denise Gee, Fundraising Manager on 01254 732140, email Denise.Gee@elht.nhs.uk