Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital are all set to shine with star light from 3 December, in tribute to the efforts of NHS heroes throughout the year, as well as in loving memory of those lost to Covid-19.
Throughout the weekend of 28 and 29 November, a variety of stars, of all shapes and sizes, were secured to the buildings which make up the local hospital Trust, each bearing a special message from their respective sponsor.
This campaign has only been made possible with the support of over 60 local businesses, organisations and families, who have paid from £300 to £1,500 to sponsor a star. The headline sponsor, DFS, have committed £10,000, and in the process have helped to raise over £30,000 which will be directly reinvested into patient care, treatment and facilities, as well as some Christmas gifts for those staying at the hospital over the seasonal period.
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “We have been utterly amazed by the support this campaign has generated in just a handful of days. As a Trust, we have wanted to do something like this for a number of years, and given the challenges we have all faced since March, we felt this was the perfect time to provide a fitting tribute to our NHS heroes, as well as those we have lost to Covid-19.
“Many local people came forward asking to support the campaign, but we know that this is a really difficult time and a really big ask. So we have also provided the opportunity for individuals and families to sponsor and dedicate a virtual star, for any cost, lighting up the organisation’s cyber night sky – to do so just Google ‘DBTH Visufund’.
“I want to say a huge thank you to those who have sponsored a star, both physical and virtual. The kindness shown to the Trust, and the wider NHS, throughout the past few months has been humbling. We can’t wait to cover our hospitals in starlight this December.”
So far sponsors also include a number of generous local families, individuals and schools, as well as the following businesses and organisations: Greencore, Polypipe, DAC Beachcroft, Ye Olde Bell, Tusker Direct, University of Sheffield, RJ Electricals, OLS Ltd, Star Commercials, Doncaster Chamber, the Fred and Ann Green Legacy Fund, Doncaster College, Prospect Hill Post Office, Doncaster Council, National Fluid Centre, NHS Doncaster and Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Groups, XPO Logistics, NMC Group, HIRD, AMH Accountancy, Quayside Childcare, Pacy and Wheatley, SYS Ltd, Instastop, NHS Professionals, The Crucible Trading Company, Companionate Care Team, Marketing Labs, Slimming World Dearne Valley, National Kidney Federation and Transave.
Colleagues at DBTH would also like to thank HIRD for donating the cherry pickers required for hanging the various decorations, and DKW Ltd for all of their hard work in helping to make this project possible.
The stars will light up the hospitals in Doncaster, Bassetlaw and Mexborough from 3 December, with an official switch-on ceremony to take place virtually. Check https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/dbth-christmas-stars/ and the Trust’s social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter to watch along at 6pm on Thursday evening.
To sponsor a virtual star visit https://visufund.com/nhs-christmas-stars
If you have any questions about how you can support DBTH, you can contact the Fundraising and Communications Team on 01302 644244 / dbth.charity@nhs.net