Brighton born boxer Chris Eubank Jr is donating £10,000 to Rockinghorse to help support hundreds of sick children in his hometown.
The generous donation will fund several pieces of new equipment for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton, aimed at making children’s experience of hospital less distressing.
Firstly, it will fund a mock MRI scanner at the Alex. Having an MRI scan can be a noisy, frightening experience for a child, not to mention having to remain still for the time the scan takes. But giving children the chance to see and understand how these machines work will really help reduce their anxiety and make it much easier for the medical staff to perform the actual scans.
Chris Jr with Rhian and Janella from Rockinghorse
Along with the scanner, we will also be able to buy a beautiful Visualite ceiling light for the patient area with the children’s emergency department. These lights create a relaxing atmosphere which will help distract children and their parents and reduce any anxiety they feel while being treated.
And finally, we will be able to purchase new AV equipment for the TMBU so that neonatal medical staff can view patient notes, results and x-rays along with undertaking patient reviews, all helping to greatly improve the care provided in the unit.
This new equipment is all thanks to Chris Eubank Jr, the son of former two-weight world boxing champion Chris Eubank, who was born in Brighton in September 1988.
During the last few years Chris’ boxing career has flourished, achieving 30 wins from 32 two fights, and being the current holder of the WBA Interim Middleweight Title. Totally dedicated to his career, Chris is an athlete who doesn’t drink or attract negative attention, making him an inspirational character and role-model to his younger fans.
And Chris Jr is passionate about helping local charities like Rockinghorse: “I was delighted to be able to donate £10,000 to Rockinghorse as for me, it’s extremely important to support charities close to home.
“Rockinghorse do an amazing job and completely reply on donations to provide life-saving equipment and support for sick babies, children and young people throughout Sussex.
“This donation is the start of a long-term commitment from me to support Rockinghorse.”
Janella Merritt, Head of Fundraising for Rockinghorse, said: “We are so thankful to Chris for making such a generous donation to Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.
“Being able to fund all this equipment will make such a difference to the experience of hundreds of sick children being treated at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton. A hospital stay can be a worrying time for children and their families but thanks to this amazing donation their visits will be made so much more comfortable.”
To find out more about how we support sick babies and children across Sussex click here, or to make a donation, click here.
