Chichester care home raises £110 for myCharity following special visit from John Price

Marriott House and Lodge was delighted to welcome John Price from myCharity for a special visit to learn more about the home, meet the team and support its fundraising efforts.

The visit also proved to be a successful fundraising occasion, with £110 raised in support of myCharity, helping contribute towards the charity’s ongoing work supporting patients and families across Sussex.

John joined the team to take part in a 100-mile walking challenge, covering the distance between all seven University Hospitals Sussex hospitals while raising valuable funds for the charity. He also had the opportunity to see the home’s charity raffle, another initiative supporting this fantastic cause.

During his visit, John sat down with Marriott House and Lodge’s Admin Assistant, Clara, to discuss the important work carried out by myCharity, the people it supports and the difference it makes to local communities.

myCharity is the dedicated charity for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, supporting seven hospitals across the county. The charity raises funds for projects that go beyond essential NHS funding, helping provide additional equipment, facilities and services that improve patients’ experiences.

From upgraded medical equipment and specialist surgical facilities to toys for children undergoing treatment, the charity supports a wide range of projects.

One of its innovative initiatives is the First 50 Club, which encourages local businesses to get involved in fundraising in a creative way.

Rather than simply asking businesses for donations, myCharity provides each participating business with £50 as a starting point and challenges them to grow that money through their own fundraising ideas.

Businesses can involve their employees and local communities before coming together at a celebratory event to recognise their achievements.

The initiative was initially piloted in the Chichester area, involving around 12 or 13 businesses, which collectively raised more than £16,000. Following this success, myCharity is now looking to expand the initiative across Sussex, welcoming more businesses and community groups to take part.

John also spoke about the charity’s Small Acts of Friendship initiative, which focuses on improving the wellbeing and dignity of patients experiencing longer hospital stays, particularly those receiving stroke care or neurorehabilitation.

Simple gestures such as having a haircut, getting their nails done or enjoying music therapy can make a significant difference to someone’s hospital experience.

The charity also supports hospital volunteers, including dementia buddies who spend time with patients playing games, completing puzzles and helping create a safe and welcoming environment.

One project particularly close to John’s heart is the creation of a dedicated space at Worthing Hospital for parents experiencing the heart-breaking loss of a baby. The space provides families with somewhere private to spend precious time together, create memories and make memory boxes without feeling rushed. This provision has since been extended across the Trust.

John explained that the most important people behind these projects are the patients, families, fundraisers and clinical teams who make them possible.

He also encouraged anyone interested in supporting their local hospital to get in touch, explaining that people can choose to support an area of care that is particularly meaningful to them. Whether through a raffle, cake sale, sponsored challenge or music event, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Janyce Wilkes, General Manager at Marriott House and Lodge, said: “We were delighted to welcome John to Marriott House and Lodge and learn more about the fantastic work myCharity does to support patients and families across Sussex. As a home, we are passionate about supporting our local community, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Raising £110 through our fundraising efforts is something we’re really proud of, and we hope it will help make a positive difference to those who need it most.”

The home is also looking forward to welcoming John back later this month, when he will take on the role of Quizmaster at a fundraising quiz night in aid of myCharity.

The event promises to bring everyone together for another enjoyable occasion, combining fun, friendship and fundraising for a cause that makes such a difference to patients and families across Sussex.

The team at Marriott House and Lodge would like to thank John for taking the time to visit, supporting the 100-mile walking challenge and sharing an insight into the incredible work being carried out by myCharity.

Find out more or get involved

Anyone interested in supporting myCharity or finding out more about its projects and fundraising opportunities can contact the team:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.myuhsussex.org

JustGiving page: Sandra Patricio is fundraising for My University Hospitals Sussex

Every contribution, big or small, can help make a meaningful difference to patients and families across Sussex.