League of Friends

Established in 1954, the League of Friends is comprised of members of the general public who regularly donate into a fund managed by a Board of Trustees. An annual magazine, as well as the news section of this site, keeps members informed of the League's activities. Our mission is to help finance projects at the hospital that would provide or improve facilities which are beyond the reach of NHS funding. Hundreds of such projects have been supported by the League over the years, the most significant of which was the building of a bungalow in 1979 for relatives of patients to use to stay overnight, with a second being added in 1994. 

When the Stars Appeal was established as the official hospital charity, the League of Friends continued with its fund raising, moving to focus on small projects which would make a big difference to patients, visitors and staff. It has established a good relationship with the Stars Appeal and has made significant contributions to a number of their major fund raising efforts as well as working with them to financially support projects where we share the costs.

In addition to the support of our members, the League set up a shop which has evolved into a popular sweetshop which provides a further source of revenue.

Fundraising for small projects that make a big difference

With the growth in demand for NHS services, we have seen requests for the funding of small projects increase so we are always looking to grow our membership. It is from the departments of the hospital that we see this demand as they know the opportunity for improving the services and understand the benefits they will bring. If these projects fall outside of their current budget, they can bring their requests to us. These fall into three categories:

• Specific funding for equipment that would introduce a new service to the hospital, such as Nipple Tattooing that builds confidence in women who have had breast cancer surgery, or the Memory Cafe that brings back memories and experiences to patients with dementia.
•  Funding for improvements around the hospital that bring comfort or wellbeing to patients or visitors. Toys and decorations in the Plastics Paediatric hand treatment room that provide the distraction to help children get through the surgery, or the upgrade to Downton Ward which has improved the ambience for patients and staff.
• On-going funding for projects such as the Carer's Cafe in the Springs restaurant, where carers meet to share experiences and ideas, or the Compassion Rose scheme that supports family and staff following the death of a patient in hospital. 

To see more examples of projects we have funded visit our news page. If you would like to see us support more of these projects, please consider making a donation or becoming a member of the League of Friends.