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£1m donation stands out in 60 years of hospital fundraising




League of Friends of Newark Hospital
League of Friends of Newark Hospital

There have been many memorable occasions since the League of Friends of Newark Hospital was set up 60 years ago.

But one in particular — a telephone call from businessman and former Nottingham Forest chairman the late Nigel Doughty — will never be forgotten by the charity’s chairman, Mrs June Howsam.

“He called to say he wanted to do something in memory of his mother, Mercia, who had been a nurse at the hospital for many years,” June said.

It was a lovely thought but June was taken aback by what came next — the news that the donation would be £1m.

Thanks to the grant from the Doughty Family Foundation a pre-operative assessment unit and an extended endoscopy unit were created at the hospital, both named after Mercia Doughty.

June, a retired nurse who has been chairman of the league of friends for 15 years, said they had always found people were generous when it came to Newark Hospital.

“We fundraise to provide things that the hospital might not otherwise be able to have. The Government can’t provide everything,” June said.

The charity was set up to support and enhance patient services at the hospital.

Initially, they concentrated on buying items for patients such as books, newspapers and other small items.

Over the years the fundraising has flourished with collection boxes in the hospital raising more than £1,500 a year.

The coffee lounge and tea bar, which are supported by volunteers, raise money to buy specific items needed in the hospital.

They also provide courtesy packs for patients on the wards, Christmas treats, and the charity pays for a delivery service to bring newspapers to the building.

Highlights of the charity’s fundraising efforts include £33,500 towards the Sherwood Women’s Centre; £102,000 to the CT scanner appeal; £64,000 for the cardio-respiratory appeal; £20,000 — raised in conjunction with Newark Lions Club — for a laser for the Newark ophthalmology department; and £65,000 towards the refurbishment of the outpatients’ department.

'It is a well-respected group'

This year the projects have included £20,250 for an evo fat transfer machine for the breast surgery team, which included £3,000 donated by the Southwell Pink Ladies.

The League of Friends is currently raising £105,000, together with the Sherwood Forest Hospital Charity, to enhance the patient environment on Sconce Ward.

Mrs Nadia Whitworth, who is secretary and joint vice-chairman, moved to Newark in 1993 and became a hospital volunteer a year later. She became secretary of the League of Friends in 1994.

“It is a well-respected group, vital to the community and always very well supported,” she said.

The joint vice-chairman and treasurer is Mrs Bridget Cobb, who has been involved for more than 40 years.

The president is the MP for Newark, Mr Robert Jenrick.

A plaque to mark the 60th anniversary of the league, and recognising its outstanding contribution and support to enhance patient services, was presented by the chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mr John MacDonald.

It has been put on the wall of the hospital’s main corridor after being unveiled by the Mayor of Newark, Mrs Rita Crowe.

Volunteers will be in the Newark branch of Asda on December 22 collecting donations for the charity.



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