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We’re just days away from the start of the nation’s biggest tea break and the chance to raise money for the N&N Hospitals Charity.

The charity wants as many people and businesses as possible to get involved by hosting or taking part in the NHS Big Tea and thank the incredible people in our hospital who have done so much to help patients over the past hugely difficult 18 months.

Starting on Monday 5 July, which is the official day of the NHS Big Tea and anniversary of the NHS, the charity is urging a summer of tea parties, right through to Sunday 5 September.

Each event can be in person or virtual, with friends, family or at work, and is a chance to reflect and say thanks for everything that NHS staff and volunteers have done and continue to do, by taking part in the nation’s biggest tea break.

The charity already has hundreds of people taking part across the region and is encouraging as many as possible to take part, following the current Covid guidance.

People can host their own event or they can show their support by taking five minutes to enjoy a tea break, donating £5 via https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/ and tagging five friends on social media @NNHospCharity and calling on them to do the same.

Thousands are expected to host events and NHS Charities Together has produced a pack to help those events go with a swing, to take part and get your pack, please visit:

www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

Click HERE to download your BIG TEA Fundraising Pack.

The N&N Hospitals Charity supports patients, their families and our staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the N&N Hospital, Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital and Cromer Hospital. Every pound raised is invested to help provide life-saving and ground-breaking equipment, staff development, research, and enhanced environment and facilities at the Trust.

Picture: NNUH Medical Director Professor Erika Denton and Chief Nurse Professor Nancy Fontaine kicked off the charity’s Big Tea celebrations

Wedding boxes have been put together by the N&N Hospitals Charity for patients who are receiving end-of-life treatment and wish to marry their partners.

The weddings are made possible thanks to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals chaplaincy team which has helped to create the special box filled with items to support a wedding at the hospital for patients whose diagnosis means they are unable to attend a registry office.

The items include decorations to transform the patient’s room, flowers, confetti, bunting, tea lights and keepsakes for the patient and new spouse.

Head of Spiritual Care Adrian Woodbridge, who leads the NNUH Chaplaincy team, said: “It is a real mixture of joy and celebration and a reflection of what the occasion symbolises. It’s a celebration of the couple’s love and commitment to each other and the staff really help lift the spirts, decorating the patient’s room and making a huge effort to create special memories. Due to the nature of the weddings, they are often at short notice. We support around four each year and these boxes make it easier for teams to create something special when time is limited.”

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are so grateful for the donations we receive which enable us to support areas like the Chaplaincy and create what is a moving, compassionate and special day for a patient at the end of their life.”

The Chaplaincy team is just one area of the hospital which you can support via the N&N Hospitals Charity.

For more information about the N&N Hospitals Charity and how you can get involved, go to https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/

Photo caption: Chaplain Jane Nursey with one of the wedding boxes.

Congratulations to runner Ian Chilley who is recovering after completing the ultimate challenge in support of the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Ian, from Lowestoft, completed the Thames Ring 250 – a 250-mile unsupported race – with a finishing time of just over 91 hours.

Ian, a member of Lowestoft Road Runners, had already completed a number of ultra-marathons, up to 100 miles, and regular marathons but wanted to take on the ultimate challenge in memory of his wife’s mum Mary Willett and  friend Martin Anderton who sadly both lost their fight against cancer.

“Both were treated at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, so I would like to raise some money for the Colney Centre to say thank you for taking such good care of them and in recognition of the hard work you all do.”

At the end of the gruelling race, he said: “Once again, it lived up to it’s brutal reputation in killing off racers. 54 entered, 46 started and 16 finished. I’m glad to say that I came 11th.”

The Thames Ring 250 follows the canals from Goring-On-Thames, to just past Northampton and back again. Runners have four days and four hours to complete the run, navigating using maps, and no outside support is allowed during the race except at checkpoints.

You can still support Ian via his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-chilley3

To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk @NNHospCharity

Simon Kindleysides, who became the first paralysed man to walk the London Marathon, has been honoured for his latest fundraising efforts which raised £14,000 for the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Simon set himself a goal to walk four miles every day of February this year, wearing a specially-made exoskeleton suit.

His challenge saw him take 8,000 steps each day and a total of 224,000 across the month. His amazing story was picked up by news outlets across the world, including Israel and Germany where a film crew followed him during a day of walking.

Last week, Simon won the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year category at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (East Anglia) Awards after he was nominated by the N&N Hospitals Charity.

Head of Fundraising Louise Cook said: “We are absolutely delighted for Simon winning this award in recognition of everything he has done to raise money for the charity.

“Not only did he set himself a gruelling challenge, inspiring so many others, but he also raised awareness of our charity and the work we do to support our hospitals.”

The money raised by Simon will support the Critical Care Unit at the N&N Hospital and the new planned children’s operating theatre project.

Simon was a dancer and a restaurant manager but in 2013 was diagnosed with a brain tumour and functional neurological disorder that left him paralysed from the waist down.

He said: “I was sitting at home doing nothing and I just wanted to do something to support the NHS and in particular, the teams at the NNUH, and I will be walking various four-mile routes through Norwich during the month.

“This lockdown is driving everyone crazy, mentally and physically so I wanted to push myself again.”

For more information about the N&N Hospitals Charity, go to https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/

Shirts worn by Norwich City players and other football-related items from the club have raised £15,243.42 for Norfolk’s three main hospitals.

Among the highlights were a Norwich City squad signed shirt which sold on the auction site eBay for £780 and a pair of shorts worn by Todd Cantwell which sold for £107.

Other shirts included those worn by players for the club’s game against Preston North End on Good Friday which featured an NHS rainbow logo.

In total, 44 items were sold with proceeds from the auctions split between the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the James Paget University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

The club decided to raise funds to support staff and give back to those who have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The auction was the latest COVID-19 initiative run by the club over the past 12 months which has included club employees calling the lonely and vulnerable for a chat and delivering cakes and signed shirts to care homes and hospitals.

Head of Fundraising at the N&N Hospitals Charity Louise Cook said: “We are so grateful to Norwich City Kit Manager Pete Dye and everyone at the club who have raised this incredible amount for our hospital.

“Our staff have truly gone above and beyond in treating patients during the pandemic and we are delighted that this money raised through the club will go directly to supporting the welfare of our staff.”

Maxine Taylor, Charity Co-ordinator for James Paget University Hospital, said: “Thank you so much Norwich City Football Club and everyone involved in making this happen – what a fantastic amount raised!

“The monies will be used to support the welfare of our staff, who over the last year have worked tirelessly to support the local community and treat patients at our hospital.”

Head of Staff Engagement & Events at QEH, Amanda-Jane Weir added: “We are so very thankful and truly humbled for the hard work and kindness demonstrated by Pete and his colleagues at Norwich City Football Club. The money raised will have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of our staff at QEH who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

PHOTO: Deputy Chief Nurse Yvonne presented our Certificate of Thanks to club representatives.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s Stock Shop has become an official N&N Hospitals Charity partner following its reopening.

Raising awareness and essential funds, The Stock Shop, is located at the entrance of the West Atrium at NNUH and will also give staff a 20% discount.

Following the reopening of non-essential shopping, the team are raring to go and keen to support the charity that makes such a difference to staff and patients at NNUH, the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital and Cromer and District Hospital.

Assistant Area Manager, Tracy Hall said: “Myself and the Norwich Stock Shop team are really excited to dedicate our fundraising activities to the N&N Hospitals Charity.

“It is very rewarding to know that all our fundraising will be allocated to our own charity within the hospital, and therefore the local community will benefit directly. We look forward to being a part of some great fundraising events within our shop during the next year, involving staff, customers and patients.”

Mercy Kaggwa, Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: “The Stock Shop has always supported the NHS and NHS staff more widely, but this new, direct and personal relationship cements the efforts that they want to make to our hospitals specifically here in Norfolk and the connection that they have with us, N&N Hospitals Charity as their Norfolk region charity of choice moving forward. We look forward to working together and assist in their fundraising which truly makes a difference for our colleagues and patients at the N&N.”

To show your support for N&N Hospitals Charity, you can purchase merchandise such as charity badges for as little as £1 in store, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. You can also leave a donation at the contactless donation point outside the shop itself.

If you would like to find out more or choose us as your charity of choice then visit:

www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk, follow us on twitter @NNUHCharity or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk

PHOTO: Mercy Kaggwa, from the N&N Hospitals Charity, and Janine Mayo from the Stock Shop.

The N&N Hospitals Charity is urging people to join the nation’s biggest tea break and raise money for the incredible people in our hospital who have done so much to help patients over the course of hugely difficult year.

Following a year like no other, the charity wants as many people and businesses as possible to get involved in a national outpouring of thanks for NHS by hosting or taking part in the NHS Big Tea.

Starting on Monday 5 July, which is the official day of the NHS Big Tea, the charity is urging a summer of tea parties, right through to Sunday 5 September.

Each event can be in person or virtual, with friends, family or at work, and is a chance to reflect and say thanks for everything that NHS staff and volunteers have done and continue to do, by taking part in the nation’s biggest tea break.

People can host their own event or they can show their support by taking five minutes to enjoy a tea break, donating £5 via https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/ and tagging five friends on social media @NNUHCharity and calling on them to do the same.

NNUH Medical Director Professor Erika Denton and Chief Nurse Professor Nancy Fontaine kicked off the charity’s Big Tea with a socially-distanced cuppa.

Professor Denton said: “The past year has been so incredibly difficult for everyone so we are delighted to get behind this opportunity to support our wonderful staff.  We hope as many people as possible will take part by hosting or joining a socially-distanced tea party either at work or with family and friends, or even relaxing and enjoying a tea party for one.”

Professor Fontaine added: “A cup of tea brings us all together and this summer we look forward to enjoying time with family and friends so we hope you will join us in raising a cup for the NHS Big Tea and thanking the staff who have done so much this past year to support our patients, families and each other.”

Thousands are expected to host events and NHS Charities Together has produced a pack to help those events go with a swing, to take part and get your pack, please visit: www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk

Click HERE to download your BIG TEA Fundraising Pack.

The N&N Hospitals Charity supports patients, their families and our staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the N&N Hospital, Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital and Cromer Hospital. Every pound raised is invested to help provide life-saving and ground-breaking equipment, staff development, research, and enhanced environment and facilities at the Trust.

PHOTO: NNUH Chief Nurse Prof Nancy Fontaine and NNUH Medical Director Prof Erika Denton supporting the Big Tea.

An Attleborough business has chosen N&N Hospitals Charity to be its first ever Charity of Choice, starting with a socially-distanced fun run.

Fireworks: Fire Protection and Suppression Systems will start their fundraising with a 5K May sponsored run.

Managing Director Derek Killaspy said: “The Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity is a cause close to our hearts at Fireworks Fire Protection.

“Being based in Norfolk, many of us have used their fantastic services and we also work closely with the healthcare sector. Now we want to give something back.

“Our teams are looking forward to a great year of events to raise money for the hospitals – and we are setting our sights high. We are kicking off with a socially-distant 5K sponsored run in May and we’ll be keeping you all up to date on our website at www.fireworks-ltd.com”

Charity Fundraising Coordinator Mercy Kaggwa said: “We are looking forward to supporting the team from Fireworks who are enthusiastic and have set themselves fun and exciting ways to fundraise for our hospitals within their colleague and family bubbles.

“We are especially honoured to have been chosen as their first ever charity of choice and hope to create a long-lasting relationship with the Norfolk business.”

If you would like to take part in a 5K May event, follow the link below to sign up:

https://runforheroes.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=184356

The N&N Hospitals Charity supports Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including the N&N, Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital and Cromer and District Hospital. To find out how your business can support the charity, please visit: www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk email: fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk or call 01603  287107.

A runner is taking part in the ultimate challenge in support of the N&N Hospitals Charity and a department close to his heart.

Ian Chilley, from Lowestoft, will take on the Thames Ring 250 in June a 250-mile unsupported race to be completed within 100 hours.

Ian, a member of Lowestoft Road Runners, is currently training 90 miles a week ahead of the race on June 23.

He said: “I have completed a number of ultra-marathons, up to 100 miles, and regular marathons but I wanted to take on a new challenge, something I haven’t done before.

“I am doing this in memory of my wife’s mum Mary Willett and our friend Martin Anderton who sadly both lost their fight against cancer.

“Both were treated at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, so I would like to raise some money for the Colney Centre to say thank you for taking such good care of them and in recognition of the hard work you all do.

“Please remember that you do not have to give a lot as every little bit helps. So please, if you can. Donate to this worthy cause and support me on this very mad journey.”

The Thames Ring 250 follows the canals from Goring-On-Thames, to just past Northampton and back again. Runners have four days and four hours to complete the run, navigating using maps, and no outside support is allowed during the race except at checkpoints.

Ian said: “I plan to run five miles and walk 10 minutes, and then stop for a rest and some food every 75 miles.”

Lynn Crombie, Fundraising Co-ordinator, said, ‘ We are so grateful that Ian has chosen to support us in tribute to Mary and Martin. Every pound helps us enhance the care we give to  our patients and their families. This truly is the ultimate challenge and we can’t wait to follow his journey.’

You can support Ian via his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-chilley3

To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk @NNUHCharity

A new weekly lottery which supports the work of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity will begin this week with the chance to win a weekly £25,000 jackpot.

The Hospitals Charity raises vital funds to support the N&N Hospital, Cromer & District Hospital and the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital.

For every £1 entry, at least 50p comes directly to the N&N Hospitals Charity to help us improve the hospital environment, purchase the very latest in state-of-the-art equipment, support staff welfare and provide extra care over and above what is currently provided by the NHS.

When someone joins the hospital lottery a unique six-digit lottery number is allocated. A random winning number is drawn every Friday with the aim to match the winning numbers. A match occurs if your digits are in the same place in the same sequence as the winning number

To win a prize, you need to match three, four, five or six digits of the winning numbers in the correct sequence. Match all six-digits in sequence and you’ll win the weekly £25,000 jackpot with £1,000 for 5 matching digits and £25 for four digits.

John Paul Garside, Director of the N&N Hospitals Charity, said, “The funding from the charity lottery will help us to improve patient and staff experience, helping to fund equipment and support staff welfare above and beyond our normal NHS funding. By supporting the lottery you will help make a difference to your local hospital, its patients and staff.

“Everyone over the age of 18 can enter and you do not have to be a staff member, so feel free to spread the word among family and friends and share help us support the work of the Hospital Charity.”

To join the lottery, go to https://nnuhcharitylottery.org.uk/ or call 0370 050 9240

Notes for Editors

The N&N Hospitals Lottery is administered by Sterling Management Centre Limited (“Sterling”) Drydale House, Newton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 0NB acting for the Charity under a Society Lottery licence.