Over 100,000 infants have been delivered at the Rosie since it opened in 1983. So ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, is calling on everyone whose lives have been touched by the much-loved hospital to back the Big Push.
Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has been so extraordinarily generous with their time and money for the Rosie Campaign so far. Now, with seven months until the first baby is born at the new Rosie, we hope to inspire the whole community to help with a final fundraising push to raise £150,000. The Rosie is all about building families, so this is a lovely way for everyone to get involved as part of the bigger Rosie family.”
“People can help in all sorts of ways. If lots of people rally round to each give a little, then together we can make a big difference. For example, a £2 donation given as a gesture of thanks for everyone born at the Rosie since 1983 would enable ACT to fund all kinds of extra equipment and comforts for new RosieBorn babies and their mothers. If five people donated £2 each, the Rosie could buy some new cot sheets to keep infants cosy and snug. If ten people each donated £5, it would pay for new play equipment for children visiting new siblings. Further up the scale, £500 could fund a waiting room sofa or contribute to a baby cooling unit.”
ACT has come up with plenty of easy ways for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and children of all ages to get involved with the Big Push:
- Buy a Rosie wristband: New for 2012, the stylish pink Rosie wristband will make both a must-have accessory and a memorable keepsake – from toddlers to adults it’s the easy way to lend a hand and show your support. Wristbands are available for a suggested donation of £2 direct from the ACT office at Addenbrooke’s, the Rosie Hospital or from local stockists (see http://www.therosiecampaign.org.uk/rosie-wristbands for details). If you’d like a box of wristbands to sell at your school, shop or organisation please contact ACT on 01223 217757.
- Inspire pupils to get involved: With so many local children born at the Rosie, ACT is calling on schools to back the Big Push, by selling Rosie wristbands, holding a non-uniform day or by giving enterprising pupils the chance to organise some fundraising.
- Club together for fundraising fun: How about encouraging Rainbows, Brownies and Scouts or your local dance, swimming and football clubs to host a mini-fete, talent show or sponsored sports event?
- Take a toddle with your teddy: Nurseries and child-minders could take younger children out with their favourite toy or teddy on a sponsored toddle or teddy bear’s picnic – both popular options for keeping little people occupied for an hour or two.
- Step out on a Big Buggy Push: With memories of The Rosie fresh in their minds, new mums and dads could get into the great outdoors with a sponsored Big Buggy Push. It’s a great way to road test your new wheels, meet other buggy buddies, get back in shape and give baby plenty of fresh air – all while raising money for a great cause.
- Get active with the baby group: Pre- and post-natal groups could organise their own fundraising events from sponsored aqua aerobic sessions for pregnant women to baby sing-along sessions and clothing sales.
- Catch up over coffee: How about hosting a cascading coffee morning, cake sale or afternoon tea as an excuse to meet up with friends old and new? It’s an easy way for families, acquaintances, community groups and local businesses to help the Big Push and who knows, you could encourage your guests to hold their own events?
- Rattle and shake with the Rosie: Keep your eyes open over the coming months when the ACT team will be out and about shaking buckets and rattling collection tins for the Big Push in and around Cambridge – dates will be publicised nearer the time.
Anna Shasha, Head of Midwifery at the Rosie, said: “Once the major construction work is complete, we’ll start fitting the new premises with equipment and soft furnishings that will transform the empty building into a welcoming, tranquil setting for pregnant women, newborns and new parents. This is where every penny of community funds will really make a difference. We’re sure that anyone with a genuine affection for the Rosie will be proud to support the Big Push in the final countdown to opening – every contribution will be so welcome.”
Ruth Sandland gave birth to baby Marley at the Rosie in September 2011. Marley arrived eight weeks early and spent nearly a month in the Special Care Baby Unit. Ruth said: “People don’t really think about making a donation as a gesture of thanks for the safe delivery of their baby. It’s only when you stop and think about what goes on at a maternity hospital that you realise how much there is to be thankful for and what the real financial cost is. The amazing care my baby received was only possible due to incredible staff and top-of-the-range equipment, which all costs thousands of pounds.”
Ruth added: “The Rosie is already one of the finest birthing centres in the country, providing local women and newborn infants with outstanding care. After the drama is over and you are home holding your beautiful baby, why not consider making a small donation or getting involved with fundraising – imagine what could be achieved? You could be helping to save the life of another baby like mine and there are never enough words to say thank you for that.”
*******
To find out more about the Rosie Hospital Campaign, to request wristbands to sell, or to discuss what you can do to help, please call 01223 217757 or go to: http://www.therosiecampaign.org.uk.