The literary donation, co-ordinated by Katie Wilde, an Usborne Books independent organiser, involved Katie’s six year old son and his friends who all pledged to read and listen to as many stories as they could in their school holidays. The children averaged 120 minutes of reading for the week and through sponsorship raised £249 with Usborne Books adding to this and bringing the total to just under £300.
Katie said: “I am an independent book organiser and wanted to involve local children in a fundraise for our hospital. Thank you to everyone who took part raising a phenomenal amount for children attending hospital. It was fantastic to see the children get so involved in the event and to benefit from knowing they are helping other children who may be going through a difficult time.”
Cath Burke, Children’s Ward Manager, said: “We are so grateful to Katie and all the children who took part in the ‘Ready, Steady, Read and Listen’ event. Being in hospital can be a distressing for children and books can take their minds off being poorly making the whole experience less daunting while also providing a sense of normality.”
The money purchased books ranging from tactile books for new-borns to adventure books for children up to 12 years old and also included a selection of interactive books which help to distract children during procedures.
The Trust recently launched its very own charity, called ‘Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity’ (DBTH Charity), in a bid to make it even easier for local people to support the Trust. If you would like to get involved in fundraising for our hospitals, or would like to know more about support and sponsorship please contact the Communications Team on Tel: 01302 644244, email: DBTH.Charity@nhs.net or head to www.dbth.nhs.uk/charity.