An infant feeding and parent education co-ordinator at the Countess of Chester Hospital has been raising funds to support the maternity unit.
Janet Beech, who has worked at the hospital for more than 20 years, together with members of her team, have set themselves a challenge to raise funds for a couple of chair beds so that their patient’s partners can spend a more comfortable night on the ward with them.
The staff began their fundraising with a bag pack at Morrisons, Bache, where they raised £250 which was matchfunded by Urenco.
A raffle with prizes sourced from local shops and businesses and tombolas at Blacon Festival, the Lache Family Fun Day and in the maternity wing corridor at the hospital has raised a further £2,200 so far.
Community and events fundraiser Angie Lopez, said: “Janet and her team have shown such devotion, giving up three weekends setting up tombolas and bag packs and selling raffle tickets.”
Members of Bosom Buddies - a team of volunteers that organise support events for new mums and their babies wishing to learn more about their babies nutritional needs and infant feeding techniques - helped sell the raffle tickets.
Head of fundraising Janet Ratcliffe, said: “Our charity exists not to purchase core items of equipment but to provide extras over and above the norm to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our patients and their families whilst in our hospital. This is a great example of charitable donations being spent to provide extra comfort for family members wishing to stay overnight on the maternity unit with their partner.”
Staff are also hoping to purchase a mobile jaundice monitor for the community midwives to use on their visits - to donate to the charity call the fundraising office on 01244 366240 and mention the Infant Feeding Fund.
Janet added: “Whether you provided a prize or bought a raffle ticket, you have helped to raise funds for which will benefit our parents and their babies and we are very grateful for your support.”
