Jamie Singer
Jamie's fundraiser for Manchester Children’s Hospital
Fundraising for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity
Story
* 11 April Update*
So there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that I picked up an injury and haven’t been able to recover in time to take part in the Manchester marathon. The slightly better news is that I’m going to run the nearby Chester marathon on 7th October instead.
The very good news - amazing news in fact - is that with the help of your amazing donations, the hospital trust has now managed to raise enough for the rooftop play area (an amazing £300k!). Thank you so much for all your incredible generosity to help reach this target. Between now and October, I’m going to continue fundraising for the hospital’s play fund - this purchases all aspects of play and distraction aids including sensory equipment for the children’s services across the hospital. Anything you can give will be hugely appreciated.
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Hi everyone!
I’m going to attempt another 26.2 miles on April 14 to raise money for a much-needed upgrade to the rooftop play area at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Having heard Gillie’s stories from all the hospitals she’s worked at, it’s often surprising to hear about the huge differences in provision for children’s facilities in these hospitals. Some are either lacking or in desperate need of doing up and when Gillie mentioned this appeal, I thought it would be a nice idea to raise money for our local children’s hospital!
Who knows, maybe I’ll run in a shade of blue again for a bit of extra sponsorship (but 100% not another shade of red - will be bad enough running by Old Trafford).
Please have a read of the charity’s appeal - I’m sure they’d be grateful for anything you can donate.
Rooftop play area appeal
Hughie & Freddie’s Play Appeal hopes to raise £300,000 to revamp the rooftop play area at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. The area is vital for inpatients who want to enjoy the outdoors while staying within the safe confines of the hospital.
About the rooftop play area
The area is used by thousands of young patients – many of whom may be staying at the hospital for weeks, months or even years – to have some fresh air, time to play and enjoy a welcome break outside.
Youngsters Hughie and Freddie were chosen to front the Charity’s campaign as Hughie is currently being treated at the hospital for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Hughie, aged 13, said: “I went up to the rooftop as a patient, and I’ve also been back to meet some other children who use it. Everyone loves being up there so much, but it really does need modernising and doing up.”
Freddie, aged 12, said: “When I first started fundraising for the children’s hospital it was during lockdown and I set myself a running challenge. Everyone knows how important it was to get outside during lockdown and the rooftop sort of feels the same to the patients – when you’re on a ward all day, it must be nice to go outside and play.”
Why are funds needed?
The funds needed for the play area will enable the hospital to completely overhaul the area. From the moment patients step outside they’ll be greeted with a play area designed to be accessible to all children, including those who have a range of access needs. They’ll be able to move around, practice their physiotherapy exercises or just relax and enjoy being outside.
As well as spaces for play and fun gardening work, artists impressions show there will be quiet areas including Wi-Fi and plug-in points for older children to enjoy. The space will also have heated and sheltered areas, as well as lighting for evening use and will be space themed.
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity
As a charity our mission is simple: to support the excellence in treatment, research and care we provide to our patients each and every day. We want to make a real difference to the people we treat – young and old – by making sure that they continue to receive the very best treatment in the very best facilities.