Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can make the biggest difference. Like saying thank you.
We have so many wonderful supporters. From the local businesses who choose to fundraise for us every year, to the long-term volunteers who use their spare time to come along to our events. From the Trusts that help us deliver large scale projects to the mum who chooses to run a marathon for us.
Every single one helps make us what we are.
And it can be easy to take all this support for granted but without it, we simply wouldn’t be around.
Which is why we feel so strongly that we need to take the time to say thank you.
Last week we organised out third annual Thank You event, this time at the beautiful atrium space at Platf9rm in Hove Town Hall.
We invited around 80 people from all sections of our supporter groups to come along for an early evening get together where they could have a drink, a few nibbles and hear more from some of the impact of their fundraising.
Once everyone had arrived and settled in, our Head of Fundraising and Partnerships Amanda Hetherington welcomed everyone to the event before handing over to Alex Marshall, Head of Marketing and Communications.
Alex then introduced a panel of specially invited NHS professionals and a parent whose daughter was supported by Rockinghorse, who spoke about the impact we have had on their work and experiences of being in the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.
First to speak was Professor Mukhopadhyay, paediatric consultant and asthma and allergy specialist who is working with us on an amazing research project helping children with severe asthma.
He explained how his work, in developing genetic testing to ascertain exactly the right medication for his young patients, creating a personalised approach to treatment.
Next was Angela Clarke, specialist nurse practitioner in the Nuclear Medicine team at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Angela explained how their department was based within the adult hospital but that they also need to provide long scans to babies and children. These scans can often be scary, and children need to stay very still throughout, but that before our support they had nothing to help distract their young patients.
Now, thanks to Rockinghorse, they have a range of toys, books and equipment that really helps these children feel relaxed and much happier during
their time in the department.
Next were Tracy Brown and Leonie Garwood, specialist early years practitioners from Seaside View Child Development Centre, who we have supported in lots of ways, including providing a range of sensory toys and equipment for a new play area in the Tarner Children’s Centre in Brighton.
They explained how these toys have helped young children who may have been born prematurely or who have delays to their development, enjoy and learn new skills through playing.
And finally, Dr Anna Ridgewell talked about the experience she and her family had when her daughter was treated at The Alex when she was little and how she subsequently decided to run the London Marathon to fundraise for us.
Anna’s daughter, now aged 11, had other treatment throughout her younger years at the hospital, and Anna was really thankful for the additional support that Rockinghorse provided on their visits.
Following the panel, everyone had a chance to chat and network, with the panel members able to talk further with audience members about their work and experiences.
The evening was a wonderful chance to take some time to say thank you to all the people who make our work possible. Everything they do changes the lives of babies, children, families and NHS staff. It helps people that they may never meet, but whose lives will be changed forever by their kindness.
And so to everyone who does anything to support us, thank you.
