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Woman's Fundraising Efforts Raise Over £20,000 for Blackpool Hospital

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rebecca Turner, a 34-year-old woman from Darwen, has been dedicated to raising funds for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Blue Skies charity in memory of her brother, Tom Maudsley, who died in May 2020 after a failed stem cell transplant for leukemia. Despite initial expectations of raising only a couple of hundred pounds, Rebecca's efforts have garnered over £20,000, which has been used to purchase specialist equipment, including chemotherapy pumps, and improve the quality of life for patients on the hematology ward. This has been made possible through her online business, Fred and Pearl Gifts, and a JustGiving page, which has attracted widespread support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rebecca Turner has raised over £20,000 for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Blue Skies charity in memory of her brother, Tom Maudsley.
  • The funds have been used to purchase two chemotherapy pumps, which allow patients to administer treatment at home, improving their quality of life.
  • The money has also been used to redecorate a room on the hematology ward with vibrant paintings, as well as to buy specialist equipment.
  • Rebecca's online business, Fred and Pearl Gifts, has contributed significantly to the fundraising efforts, selling handmade rainbow gifts during the pandemic.
  • Tom's consultant, Dr Paul Cahalin, has praised the impact of the new equipment on patient care, stating that it makes a major difference to the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Rebecca intends to continue raising money for Blue Skies every May, the anniversary of Tom's death, to stay true to his memory and make a positive impact.

Statistics:

  • Over £20,000 has been raised for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Blue Skies charity.
  • The funds have been used to purchase two chemotherapy pumps, which cost £6,000 each (£12,000 total), and an artist's fee to redecorate a room.
  • 20% of all money raised from Fred and Pearl Gifts this month will be donated to Blue Skies.
  • Tom's condition compromised his immune system, making him susceptible to infections while undergoing treatment.

Sources:

  • [Source: Local news article]
  • [Rebecca Turner's JustGiving page]
  • [Fred and Pearl Gifts website]
  • [Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Blue Skies charity page]

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