ALDER HEY CHILDREN'S CHARITY INSPIRED MAGAZINE #2

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1 Subject

Inside Inspired...

4

The Land of Remarkable People

5

Luke’s story

6

Hospital news

7

Alder Hey friends

8

Run for Alder Hey

10 Thank you!

12

Where does your money go?

14

Cover story: Erin’s story

16

Take on the challenge for Alder Hey

18

India Dalai Lama Trek

19

Conquer Hadrian’s Wall

20 Partner with Alder Hey 22 Emily’s story: Making

a difference through art and play

24 The gift of a lifetime 25 Oli-days 26 Sam’s story 27 A day in the life of...

a community fundraiser

28 Events and challenges

A big

Hello

& welcome to Inspired

A note from our guest editor... Mark Peers Having been a patient for almost 22 years at Alder Hey I have always felt that the hospital is and always will be my second home. Being born with a cleft lip and palate as well as a bone disease called Osteomylitis was not the best way for a little baby to kick life off!

I’ve had well over 100 surgeries including facial reconstruction but the biggest one was having my right leg amputated back in 2001.

It changed my life of course but only for the better and it’s helped to enhance my life considerably. I wouldn’t be able to tell my story if it wasn’t for the wonderful doctors, surgeons, nurses, porters, cleaners, cooks etc at Alder Hey. That’s why I’ve promised to keep spreading the word about the amazing work the hospital has done and continues to do today. I have done a lot of charity work over the last few years from bucket shaking at all hours to abseiling down the Anglican Cathedral. This year will see me take on my biggest task yet when I trek across the Great Wall of China. I will always do whatever I can to help the hospital and I’ll keep shaking that bucket as long as I can. Thank you to everyone doing the same!

Read more about Mark and his overseas challenge for Alder Hey on page 16!

Why do we need to raise £30million?

We need to raise £30million • lifesaving equipment to provide the following for • arts therapy and arts materials our new hospital, Alder Hey • children’s play areas in the Park…

• personalised bedrooms • vital research

Mark

Alder Hey

Children’s Charity launches remarkable appeal

Alder Hey Children’s Charity has launched a massive campaign across the North of England to raise awareness and support for a major new appeal. The Charity needs to raise £30m to fund lifesaving equipment, vital research and arts and play activities in the new Alder Hey in the Park.

Alder Hey’s new hospital is being built next door to the current site on Springfield Park and will open its doors in 2015. Although the NHS can afford to build the new hospital, charitable funding will ensure it features stateof-the-art equipment, leading edge research facilities and a more positive experience for patients and families. The charity appeal will transform the new building into a unique international children’s centre kitted out with the very best.

Professor Michael Brown, Chairman of Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “The NHS is building a new Alder Hey Hospital that will be a huge improvement on the existing 100 year old buildings. However, when you have a sick child, somehow

an ordinary hospital is not enough. We need to give our children the best support that we possibly can. We want our new facility to be truly remarkable, a world class hospital that children and young people across the UK deserve. Our appeal will fund a higher specification of critical medical equipment; pioneering research into children’s medicines and treatments; and access to art and play that is so important in a child’s recovery process.”

Sam Penkethman Owens

Luke Chapman

Erin Cross

Donations to the appeal will be used to provide leading edge life-saving medical equipment, arts and play activities and funding for vital research.

Do something remarkable and donate to Alder Hey Children’s Charity to support the remarkable children at Alder Hey. Donations can be made by phone on 0333 222 3888, online at www.alderheycharity. com/donate or by dropping into the fundraising office.

Watch our new film about The Land of Remarkable People at www.alderheycharity.com and in cinemas across the North West.

4 The Land of Remarkable People

The campaign, called ‘The Land of Remarkable People’ has been led by six young ambassadors...

Ted McCaffery

Ruben White

Freddy Barker

Luke has been in and out continue to get the very of hospital since he was best treatment at Alder Hey.” a baby and is a familiar face on Alder Hey’s K2 ward with his mum Kelly. “Alder Hey is a “When we found out that Luke had a heart condition we were devastated,” says Kelly.

The dedication, expertise and support from our Alder Hey family has been fantastic right from the start. The minute we walked through the doors I remember feeling really safe and everybody has pulled together to support us.

“I think Alder Hey is a very positive place. You

very positive place” With the support of their local community, Luke’s family have already raised thousands of pounds for the hospital which they believe saved his life. Some of the money they have raised has been used to improve the facilities for parents on the hospital’s cardiac ward while some has been invested in vital research to improve the care and treatment for other children like Luke.

Luke with his mum Kelly and sister Lottie

Luke’s story After spending seven years coming to Alder Hey with her son Luke, Kelly Chapman does what she can to support her Alder Hey family.

Luke Chapman was born with a very complex set of heart defects and has faced a lifetime of serious open heart surgeries at Alder Hey.

don’t walk in here and feel sad and negative.

You come in and feel like everything is going to be ok. There have been so many times Luke has been critically ill but the team have always gone that extra mile to get Luke home to us again.

We know that there will be more hospital visits and surgery throughout Luke’s life but we are confident that he will

“We owe this hospital so much for saving our little boy’s life”, says Kelly. “Fundraising is our way of giving something back and trying to make a difference not just to Luke but to the care of other children coming to Alder Hey in the future.”

Luke’s story 5

Hospital Heading up life news changing research Findings from a recent research study could impact massively on the future of craniofacial surgery.

The Craniofacial Team at Alder Hey have developed a comprehensive database of human head shapes using state of the art 3D photography. The Headspace Project has collected over 1000 images to form the largest research database of its kind in the world and the first in the UK.

“The benefits of this research are huge; from helping to design surgical operations to enhancing our ability to comparing the outcomes of surgery,” explains Craniofacial Surgeon Christian Duncan.

“The image database we have collated will make a real difference to children with craniofacial deformities. It will help us to improve our surgery techniques to give them back their anonymity, allowing them to live normal lives.”

Craniofacial disorders are complex conditions affecting the soft tissues or bones of the face and/or the head. The needs of patients with these conditions are

very complex and for that reason, there are just four dedicated NHS teams in England for management of craniofacial conditions.

Alder Hey is the only dedicated team in the north of England and its Craniofacial Unit is among the busiest in the world.

Putting smiles on faces

Using delicate microsurgery, Consultant Surgeon Adel Fattah is restoring the ability to smile to his young patients.

Children born with facial disfigurements or who have facial palsy following cancer surgery are benefiting from Adel’s skills, which also help to improve facial expression and speech. Surgery involves grafting nerves and living muscle tissue from other parts of the body to the face. Adel aims to make the face symmetrical in some cases by weakening the good side of the face to match the weaker side using Botox.

“When a child has a facial disfigurement it can have a major psychological impact on their whole life,” says Adel. “It affects their confidence and self esteem and they may not do as well at school because they don’t want to be noticed, ultimately affecting their entire quality of life. Making a young person’s face symmetrical and supporting other facial muscles to improve facial expression is life-changing and incredibly rewarding work.”

ts and families have been given an opportunity to share their Remarkable Patien m stories and experiences on new website www.remarkablepeople.co website The new site has been designed to tell short stories about staff, launched patients and families, using words, photography, sound and film.

6 Hospital news

Alder Hey friends

Steven Gerrard said, “I always wanted to give the money somewhere where I knew it would be spent well. Alder Hey is a big hospital that treats children from all over the country. It’s humbling to meet two amazing fundraisers like Ted and Freddy.”

Steven Gerrard supports new hospital appeal Liverpool Football Club and Steven Gerrard was joined by official Young Fundraising Ambassadors, six year old Ted McCaffery and four year old Freddy Barker at a special cheque presentation.

England captain Steven Gerrard pledged £500,000 Clare White, Director of use of integrated technology to Alder Hey Children’s Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the ability to adapt to new Charity through his said, “Donations can help us technology. Any donation Foundation. The money will to upgrade the specifications whether it’s one pound or a be spent on state of the art of the 16 theatres in the thousand pounds, really does lifesaving equipment in the make a huge difference.” new hospital. Some of Steven’s new Alder Hey. This means we can provide one of the donation will go towards a leading theatre environments The remainder of Steven’s Brainlab navigation system in Europe. The new theatres donation will be used to for an intra-operative MRI will offer features to support put play equipment in the scanner which will be built in safety, patient experience, the outpatients courtyard. the new hospital’s theatres. the annual visit. During the visit the jockeys met with patients on the hospital’s E2 ward for a tricky question and answer session hosted by racing pundit Mick Fitzgerald.

Grand national photo finish at Alder Hey

Patients and families met Grand National jockeys and 2004 winner Amberleigh House during a special visit to Alder Hey. Charity Patrons

Mick Fitzgerald and AP McCoy, racing horse owner John Hales and Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls also took part in

Freddy Barker, young ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, welcomed Amberleigh House and the jockeys on arrival saying: “I really enjoyed seeing Amberleigh House and meeting some of the jockeys that will be riding in the Grand National.”

Alongside the visit, the hospital also had a strong presence at Aintree Racecourse and the Alder Hey Children’s Charity Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) took place on Ladies Day. Alder Hey friends 7

Run for Alder Hey Running is the perfect way to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Not only will you make a difference to the lives of our patients but you will also make a difference to your own health.

Whether you’re looking to do your first 5K or tenth marathon we’d love you to become one of our remarkable runners. We will provide you with a fundraising pack including a running vest to wear for your run.

For further details please email community@alderheycharity.com or speak to one of our team on 0151 252 5716.

Warrington

wonder women

‘run the world’

Inspired by brave tot Parker Royle, one of Alder Hey’s remarkable oncology patients, the Warrington Wonder Women are ‘running the world’ in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Created by Parker’s Auntie, Victoria Royle, the group ‘runs’ in conjunction with the Warrington Wonder Women Weight Loss Gym. Every penny from classes at the gym and the running group is donated to Alder Hey to improve the lives of children and young patients.

Each mile run by the 100+ members, which also includes ‘mums on the run’ and the wander women group of walkers, until the end of the year, counts towards the 24,902 mile total. At the time of writing the group have travelled over 7000 miles into the depths of India.

To find out more about joining or supporting the Warrington Wonder Women visit tonwonderwomenweightlossgym arring www.facebook.com/w or www.justgiving.com/warringtonwonderwomen 8 Run for Alder Hey

By ‘Running the World’ the group hope to raise £12,500 which will enable Alder Hey to personalise a bedroom in the new hospital, Alder Hey in the Park.

This includes the installation of visual and interactive technology to make a child’s stay as comfortable and stress free as possible while a specialised extendable parent bed will also allow parents to stay with their children overnight.

Saying

Wendy (far right) and her friends show their support for Alder Hey

thanks

50 years on...

Fifty years after having lifesaving heart surgery at Alder Hey, Wendy Evans is still finding ways to thank the hospital that saved her life.

“I had to have regular check-ups at Alder Hey until I was 10 years old and Back in September 2013, until recently, lived with a Wendy (56) put on her heart murmur. When the running shoes for the Great heart murmur suddenly North Run, the world’s disappeared two years ago, it biggest half marathon. Her prompted doctors to assert aim was to raise that I had ‘run it vital funds for off!’ - proof if it The operation, the hospital that was ever needed saved her life five which corrected a that running is decades ago. valve obstruction good for you!”

in her heart Born with a Wendy joined hole in her over 50,000 saved her life heart, Wendy participants to underwent run 13 ½ miles surgery at Alder Hey between Newcastle and Children’s Hospital back in South Shields. Having taken 1963 when she was just six up running in 2001 at the years old. The operation, tender age of 44, this was which corrected a valve the 12th time Wendy had obstruction in her heart saved taken part in the event. This her life, allowing Wendy time she had chosen Alder to become the successful Hey Children’s Hospital as mother, grandmother, her chosen charity and raised business woman and over £2000 as a thank you fundraiser that she is today. for saving her life.

The money raised by Wendy at this year’s Great North Run will help make a real difference to the lives of the 270,000 young patients treated at our hospital each year, including the many children who use the cardiac service.

Cheering squad volunteers

We are looking for enthusiastic supporters to join Oli and cheer on our remarkable running team members as they pound the streets to raise vital funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Contact the fundraising office on 0151 252 5716 or email community@alderhey charity.com

Run for Alder Hey 9

We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have supported Alder Hey Children’s Charity over the past twelve months. You have been remarkable! You have baked thousands of cakes and eaten them, taken part in Quiz nights, raffles, dressed down and up, walked, ran, cycled, abseiled, skydived and swam for us. Thank you!!!

Unfortunately we are unable to feature all our remarkable fundraisers but here’s a selection...

Thank you! £35

could contribute towards our vital research into the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases.

Members of the Payzone team from the Head Office in Northwich visited Alder Hey to present a cheque for £18,895.84. Employees at Payzone raised money through various activities including the Coniston Challenge and Sky Dives.

£7,775 RAISED!

£1,325 RAISED!

Sophie Cummins jumped out of a plane to raise £1,325!

Kevin O’Brien and Andy Hosie raised £7775 by running the Ormskirk 10K.

£200 could help pay for a

dance therapist for a day.

CPI Card Group UK Limited, who have supported Alder Hey for the last ten years, donated £4,780 raised through their Christmas raffle. This was no ordinary raffle, with prizes including Dysons, bungee jumps and even a week off!

10 Thank you!

£4,780 RAISED!

Daniel Kinsella’s family recently raised £2374 at a 72 hole golf challenge along with £250 through their Just Giving page. Family, friends and colleagues have together raised over £10,000 for various charities including Alder Hey since Daniel was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

£690.35

RAISED!

OVER £10,000 RAISED!

Richie and Marie Pearse lit up their House for Alder Hey this Christmas and raised £690.35!

£1,500 RAISED!

Rachel Barley ran the Great North Run in September 2013 and raised £1500!

£215 RAISED!

Dean Raymond raised a ‘magical’ £215 by performing magic tricks.

£2400 RAISED!

A Helping Hand charity shop in Widnes has raised over £2400.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Alder Hey! Please send us your pictures and we will try to include as many as we can in the next issue. Email cath.harding@alderheycharity.co m

Steve Morgan and John Vaughan (P&A Group, Mold), Robert Boyns (Boyns.net Information Systems, Ruthin) and Tim Doswell (Raglan Suite Dental Practice, Harrogate), together with the help of pupils, staff and families from Ysgol Llywelyn, Rhly have raised over £19,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity. They were inspired by Alder Hey patients Lauryn Robinson and Madog Wyn to take on the Iron Man challenge, a tough triathlon involving 2.4miles sea swim, 112 miles bike ride and a 26.2mile run!

Thank you! 11

Where does your money go?

Total of over £1.5million raised

Last year Alder Hey Children’s Charity raised over £1.5million.

Individual donations

£218,904

Company donations

Legacies

£105,705

£277,048

Last year we spent our money on…

Research £206,141

Other Charitable spending (including bereavement care) £19,076

Patient welfare and experience (including medical equipment) £1,080,180

Hospital Welfare £27,682

*The rest of the charity’s income, less administration and fundraising costs will be temporarily put into reserves and will be used to support the Appeal for the new Alder Hey in the Park and other hospital programmes.

12 Where does your money go?

£2,500 could buy an

interactive television so children can watch movies, access the Internet, Skype their friends and family and play games.

£50,000

could help pay for specialist critical care cots to be used in the critical care units (Intensive Care, High Dependency and Cardiac wards).

could help pay for 4D immersive learning spaces for children.

*includes gifts in kind, interest, dividends

Trusts and Foundations

£378,891

£8,000

Events

Donations in memory

£110,725

£164,109

How you made a difference: • Purchase of an ECHO machine for the cardiac department, providing the highest quality echocardiography for review of cardiac function in outpatient and ward settings.

• Christmas decorations for the wards and patient areas and treats for the patients.

• Jointly funded provision of a Child Death Helpline available every day of the year to anyone affected by the death of a child.

• ABC Study - a study of the compatibility of Ethanol and Heparin for Administration into Broviac lines in Children.

• Replacement of patient bedside televisions/DVD’s for entertainment, distraction and comfort for children and young people relieving anxiety and distress.

• A weekend therapeutic break for bereaved families who are clients of the Alder Centre.

Donations from groups

£92,481

Other *

£ 236,834

Funding for a children’s entertainer has alleviated the anxiety of patients waiting in clinic areas, while a series of short term artist residencies such as musicians, drama therapists and storyteller are used as part of rehabilitation and therapy.

Refurbishment of the Cardiac Unit parent waiting areas have created an improved parent facility with kitchenette and wash and toilet facilities.

Funding for two personal cook-to-order chefs for the Oncology Unit has enabled chefs on the Unit to prepare fresh food to the patient’s taste at a time suitable to their needs and treatment.

Where does your money go? 13

Cover story

Light

at the

end of the tunnel After struggling to recover from a string of childhood illnesses Erin’s family received some devastating news...

Just weeks after Erin Cross celebrated her 2nd birthday she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), one of the most common childhood cancers.

Erin’s diagnosis came after months of concerns about her health after failing to recover from routine illnesses. She developed breathing problems, became 14 Erin’s story

fussy about her food and looked pale. When Erin was referred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital her platelet count was found to be just 11. A normal platelet count falls between 200 and 400. Erin also had a severely swollen liver, spleen and lymph nodes.

“Nothing could have prepared us for Erin’s

diagnosis”, says mum Sarah.

“It was such a shock. We’re still in shock. You just have to get used to it.”

Immediately after her diagnosis, Erin had to have a life-saving blood platelet transfusion before being placed on steroids and a two year programme of chemotherapy. However after her first weeks of

£15 PER MONTH

could help buy arts and crafts materials to be used as distraction therapy while treating our young cancer patients with chemotherapy.

continues to make amazing progress.

“After her first round of chemotherapy Erin had to learn to walk again and she did it. She has done amazingly well,” explains Sarah. “There is always a great atmosphere on the Oncology Ward. The staff are so friendly and there is always someone or something here for Erin to play with.”

treatment is less aggressive than it could be. We are so lucky that so much research is being done at Alder Hey for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.”

Since Erin was diagnosed, her family have been raising as much as they can for the hospital which they believe saved her life. They have had great support for their fundraising efforts from their friends, colleagues and the

“We are so lucky that so much research has been done at Alder Hey.” Sarah believes that the expertise at Alder Hey together with vital research has played a key part in Erin’s recovery. Valuable research at Alder Hey is aiming to improve treatments for patients while also reducing the dangerous side effects of their treatment.

“The research carried out at Alder Hey means that Erin’s

treatment and several tough rounds of chemotherapy, tests showed that Erin was at a high risk of relapse. She had to be moved on to a more intensive treatment plan with even stronger chemotherapy.

Erin has now turned three and is recovering well from her illness. She visits Alder Hey regularly for maintenance treatment and

local community.

‘All About Erin’ have together raised thousands of pounds for Alder Hey by taking part in all kinds of activities and a team of eight men called ‘Erin’s Army’ tackled the ‘Tough Mudder’, a 12-mile obstacle course designed by the Special Forces, followed by 26 miles of running in the Chester Marathon.

In October 2013, Erin became a young ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity. “We witnessed Alder Hey saving our daughters life and have always felt she is in the best possible hands”, says Sarah.“The team at Alder Hey have been amazing. They have been an incredible support for our entire family, from diagnosis and right through the treatment. When Erin was very poorly at the start, the doctors said to us she would get better and we would get our little girl back. Within months she was walking and smiling again so they were right! We would like to say to other families in this situation that it does get better, it’s very hard at the start but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Erin’s story 15

Take on the challenge for Alder Hey Our fundraising challenges and events will inspire you to push through personal boundaries while raising sponsorship money to change young lives at Alder Hey. Take on an Alder Hey Children’s Charity challenge: Skydive 8th June 2014 Conquer Hadrian’s Wall 11th -13th July 2014 Coniston Challenge 12th July 2014 Abseil Liverpool Cathedral 9th August 2014 Tough Mudder 12th or 13th September 2014 The Great Wall of China 27th September 5th October 2014 India Dalai Lama Trek 9th - 19th October 2015 Contact Cath on 0151 282 4795 or email cath.harding@ alderheycharity.com

16 Take on the challenge for Alder Hey

Mark’s challenge Guest editor Mark Peers will be taking on a once in a lifetime adventure in 2014 by trekking the Great Wall of China for Alder Hey. Mark has signed up for Alder Hey’s first overseas challenge to help rebuild the wall and raise vital funds.

“Alder Hey has always been there for me when I needed it most and we have been through thick and thin together,” Mark explains.

“It picks you up when your down but most importantly the people make you smile and you forget you’re even in hospital or even if you’re ill!

“Alder Hey has always been there for me when I needed it most.”

“I have been lucky enough to tell my story of my time with Alder Hey. I’ve been through a lot with the hospital but not as much as many other patients. I’ve been a patient so I know how hard it is being in hospital so much at a young age and I also know that during my time in hospital there have been many people raising funds to make my time at Alder Hey as tolerable as possible. Therefore, I feel it is my duty to carry on that

tradition and raise as much as I can for the children of the future and their families!

“I have wanted to do something really challenging for a while now and when I heard that Alder Hey Charity were arranging a Trek across the Great Wall of China I was immediately interested.

To be able to do something challenging and push yourself whilst raising valuable funds for a charity and hospital close to my heart is a great honour. It’s a big commitment and I now feel ready to conquer the wall!

“This is also a chance for me to thank everyone at Alder Hey who has helped me get where I am today. Without them I would not be able to attend University let alone go on amazing adventures to China.

This challenge symbolises that no matter what we go through we can get through anything, become stronger people and live life to the full.”

When: 27th September - 5th October 2014 Registration fee: £299 Minimum sponsorship: £3000 What’s involved: • 5 days trekking one of the most magnificent wonders of the world.

• Place your own brick in a section currently being restored, ensuring your impact is left on the wall for all time.

• Flights from Manchester.

• Experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable trek leaders.

• Fundraising support.

Conquer Coniston for Alder Hey!

Alder Hey Children’s Charity is calling for teams to take part in the Coniston Challenge on Saturday 12th July 2014.

This exhilarating fundraising event involves teams tackling a 10km trek up the Old Man of Coniston before a 17km bike ride through the Grizedale Forest and then a 3km kayak across Coniston waters.

“We need as many people as possible to take part and help us make a difference to the children and young people at Alder Hey,” says Alder Hey fundraiser Helen Hughes. “The challenge is made up of teams of four to six people with varying abilities ranging from Fitness Fanatic’s to Amateur Dramatics, so there is no pressure to be the best just enjoy!”

Alder Hey fundraiser Cath Harding and her friends took part in the Coniston Challenge last year. “We had a fabulous time doing the challenge last year and particularly enjoyed the banter and camaraderie between the teams along the way,” she said. “Taking part in the Coniston Challenge was a memorable experience and a fantastic way of raising money for a great cause.

for a brilliant challenge to join us and raise money for remarkable children.”

When: 12th July 2014 Registration fee: £50 per team Minimum sponsorship: £1500 per team What’s involved: • 10km trek up the Old Man of Coniston.

• 17km bike ride through the Grizedale Forest.

• 3km kayak across Coniston Water.

“We will be doing the event again this year and would encourage anyone looking

Event sponsorship

Companies can reap the benefits of sponsoring one ising events or advertising fundra y’s Charit en’s Childr of Alder Hey a campaigns. This would provide a fantastic opportunity to make ess. awaren brand raise to re difference and also gain extra PR exposu g enablin costs, its cover to y Charit the Sponsoring an event allows ts. patien young our g helpin to y directl go to all money raised Take on the challenge for Alder Hey 17

India Dalai Lama Trek 9 - 19 October 2015

Hike the Himalayas and discover the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama...

Your trekking challenge is to trek for 67km over five days through this fascinating region of North India at the heart of the world’s highest mountain range.

Explore the Kingdom of Gaddi – a semi nomadic race who wander the high passes with their cattle – passing Hindu settlements and Buddhist Monasteries with spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains. We end this incredible challenge with time to explore the incomparable Taj Mahal, the greatest monument to love ever built!

For further information please contact: Cath or Irene on 0151 252 5716

18 Take on the challenge for Alder Hey Email: community@alderheycharity.com

Registered charity number 1049275.

Conquer

Hadrian’s Wall

Alder Hey’s Communications Officer, Andrea Duggan, is preparing to trek 25 miles along Hadrian’s Wall in July.

Here she explains why she has been working so hard to raise as much money as possible to help the children and families she meets at Alder Hey every day.

“The closest I get to challenging myself with an exercise ‘regime’ is resisting a take away after my once a week dance class!” says Andrea, who signed up to the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge in July.

“The idea of camping in cold weather and a 25 mile walk didn’t sound like the best way to spend my weekend but, in comparison to the challenges our patients go through at Alder Hey, it’s nothing.

“I’m lucky to have a very interesting job in the Communications Team at Alder Hey and the variety of work I get involved with each day allows me to build relationships with our amazing patients and their families. Hearing about

their individual stories really hammers home to me just how much each one of them can benefit from the money raised by Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

“I’m lucky to have family here at Alder Hey” “Since moving from the North East in 2001 I’ve made Liverpool my second home and not being on the doorstep to my family, I’m lucky to have a family here at Alder Hey. I’ve been trying to encourage some of my colleagues to get involved with the trek or other fundraising ideas; the new hospital after all is going to benefit staff as well the patients.

“I’m a bit nervous about it but I don’t like missing out on stuff so I know I’ll get stuck in and have a ball with others signed up.

“Since signing up I’ve had great support

from the fundraising team explaining what equipment I’ll need and tips to raise my £500 target. I’d like to also thank everyone who has helped provide walking routes for practising!

“Luckily I don’t have a garden though so I don’t need to practice the camping part just yet. I’ve got my walking boots and dry shampoo at the ready – wish me luck!”

When: 11th-13th July 2014 Registration fee: £65 Minimum sponsorship: £500 What’s involved: • 2 days trekking along one of the most remarkable Roman monuments.

• Travel and camping accommodation.

• Experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable trek leaders.

• Fundraising support.

To register visit www. globaladventurechallenges. com/hadrians Conquer Hadrian’s Wall 19

Partner with Alder Hey

“

Alder Hey is a National Treasure and we want to be part of it. It’s great for business but most importantly we are able to give back to the communities in which we operate .

Alder Hey Children’s Charity currently partners with a number of major brands across the UK. Partnering with Alder Hey helps to build a company’s brand reputation, boost staff morale, increase sales and improve customer loyalty – all while making a massive difference to thousands of patients and families.

There a variety of ways employees and customers can be involved in the fundraising effort, through sales promotions, choosing Alder Hey as charity of the year, corporate donations, payroll giving and fundraising events. Alder Hey’s fundraisers can provide support and are available to help at every step of the way.

20 Partner with Alder Hey

”

This year, Alder Hey Children’s Charity was delighted to form an 18 month partnership with Santander Merseyside Branches Region.

Santander UK is one of the leading personal financial services companies and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the UK. 20 Santander branches across Merseyside are aiming to raise vital funds for Alder Hey, through in-store promotions, fundraising quiz nights and sponsored events.

“We chose Alder Hey as our charity partner in the knowledge that our fundraising efforts

Another of Alder Hey’s major corporate partners is Matalan, one of the UK’s leading clothes and homeware retailers.

Matalan are working alongside Alder Hey Children’s Charity to create a product which will be sold in stores across the UK. The proceeds of this product will go towards Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

will directly improve the lives of poorly children every day,” Anthony Sutton, Retail Regional Manager of Santander explains. “Almost 300 staff across our 20 branches, along with our customers, will have an opportunity to play their part. There will be organised fundraising events, a sponsored cycle race and we’ve also registered a team for the Coniston Challenge in July.

“Along with raising vital funds for Alder Hey, this partnership allows us to engage with staff and customers, build our brand awareness and demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping others.”

“Supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity is a fantastic way of making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children,” says Lee Pinnington (Marketing Director).

Matalan is a family brand so partnering with Alder Hey makes perfect sense, it’s a perfect fit and it’s also great for staff morale and customer engagement.”

Sponsorship Opportunities A number of opportunities have been identified where charitable funding can make a real difference to Alder Hey’s new hospital, by enhancing the design and providing additional innovative services.

The new hospital will be innovative but what could be achieved within its walls could be even more impressive given the right level of support. Please help us to make this vision a reality.

Sponsorship opportunities are available in five key areas:

To find out more about partnering with Alder Hey please contact 0151 252 5395 or email louise.barrett@alderheycharity.com

Five key areas • Medical Equipment and Innovations • Environment and Facilities • Patient Experience and Digital Technology • Art Programme • Research and Development

Benefits of partnering with Alder Hey:

• Build brand awareness through association with the Alder Hey brand which has 86% regional and 63% national awareness.

• Sales promotions influencing purchasing decisions, leading to increased sales, footfall and market share.

• Enhance reputation, leading to improved customer loyalty and the opportunity to engage new customers.

• A long-term partnership with us can increase PR opportunities and prove to stakeholders a genuine commitment to helping others.

To find out more about partnering with Alder Hey please contact 0151 252 5395 or email louise.barrett@alderheycharity.com Partner with Alder Hey 21

Emily’s story

Making a

difference through art and play

The average stay at Alder Hey is three days but some patients are at the hospital for many months and even years. Even when children are very unwell, they still want to be children; and art and play is an important way of providing comfort and distraction while also helping to manage pain and rehabilitate patients. For Emily Coventry, Alder Hey’s art programme has been crucial throughout her recovery.

22 Making a difference through art and play

After being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow), Emily underwent chemotherapy treatment before having a bone marrow transplant. The bone marrow transplant was a success but Emily began to show signs of chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD).

GVHD is a side effect of a bone marrow

transplant which occurs when the donor’s bone marrow attacks the recipient’s body.

“It affected my entire body and unfortunately meant I had to spend Christmas 2010 in Alder Hey,” remembers Emily (17). “I spent the next six months in Alder Hey fighting all kinds of viruses and infections. The GVHD of my skin

booklet called. ‘Don’t be a Bug Rug’ which raises awareness of a range of issues around infection control.

“Doing these activities has really helped take my mind off things and kept me preoccupied. It has also provided physiotherapy for my hands. I have limited movement in my hands, a side effect of my GVHD, and doing the arts and crafts activities has really helped improve this.” got progressively worse and impaired my mobility, resulting in me needing splints to correct and maintain the movement in my joints. My GVHD also spread to my eyes resulting in me having cataracts. My skin was so sore and tight that I needed to have splint casts

involved with lots of fun stuff while I’ve been here as well.

I helped paint the wall in The Den which was a lot of fun.

The Den is a room in the Teenage Cancer Unit where we can go to relax. There is a pool table, a television and a kitchen in it.

put on my arms and legs. I’ve had regular physiotherapy and I’ve been back at Alder Hey regularly for antibiotics.”

“I have also got involved in lots of arts and crafts! I love art. When I was given the opportunity to pick the subjects that I wanted to study in school I picked Art, Performing Arts and Textiles!

Throughout my time at Alder Hey, the Oncology play specialists Pip and Caroline have kept me busy with various activities.

I have done Japanese weaving, fimo clay modelling, bead work, sewing, cutting and sticking, painting and much more! I also enjoyed designing a germ for a

“My advice for anyone at Alder Hey would be to keep your chin up - things can only get better!”

Keeping her mind off treatment and being in hospital has been vital to Emily who spent many months at a time in hospital.

“My experience at Alder Hey has been interesting to say the least,” she said.

“All the staff here are really friendly and comforting which has made my time here a lot easier. I have got

Emily continues to recover and is looking forward to returning to the life she had before Leukaemia. “Through all this I continue to enjoy the support of my family and friends and know they will always be there for me,” she says. “My advice for anyone else at Alder Hey would be to keep your chin up - things can only get better!”

Alder Hey Children’s Charity aims to make patients’ experience as positive as possible by providing toys, books and games for distraction and entertainment.

The charity has also invested over £300,000 in the Alder Hey Arts Programme, recognising that both visual and performing arts make a very important contribution to children’s enjoyment, happiness and wellbeing.

Making a difference through art and play 23

The gift of a

was a teacher for many years.

lifetime

Following Arthur’s death in 2004, Gwyneth decided to donate to a number of charities. Having watch Children’s Hospital on television, Arthur had been very touched by the stories of sick children. Gwyneth decided to make a donation in his memory to Alder Hey and visited the hospital to find out how her money helped.

Choosing to leave a gift in your will means you can have a lasting impact long into the future.

Gwyneth was delighted to learn that her first donation had been used to purchase equipment for premature babies. It inspired her to continue to make annual donations until her death in 2011 at the age of 91.

Following her death, Alder Hey Children’s Charity was delighted to receive a substantial gift from Gwyneth’s estate.

To discuss how your legacy could transform young lives, contact Alder Hey Children’s Charity on 0151 252 5716 or email info@alderheycharity.com

Gwyneth and Arthur’s story Gwyneth and Arthur Harrison married in 1947 when Arthur returned from serving in the army in India during the Second World War. Arthur resumed his 24 The gift of a lifetime

career as a Civil Servant and was awarded the Imperial Service Order in his 50s in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service.

Sadly, Gwyneth and Arthur were unable to have children of their own but Gwyneth

£2,000 could pay

for an extendable bed so parents can stay next to their children during an overnight stay.

Alder Hey ‘Oli-days’

Alder Hey Children’s Charity is really grateful to all the remarkable schools that support us!

Unfortunately we are unable to mention every school individually but a selection of schools and their fundraising ventures include...

Prenton Propriety School on the Wirral raised £410 by doing a sponsored swim.

Churchtown Primary School in Southport raised £575 from a cake sale.

Westwood First School in Staffordshire wore red to school for a day and raised £173.

School

Oli-days • A ‘dress up’ Oli-day where pupils and staff dress as someone from Alder Hey – surgeon, nurse, patient, physiotherapist, porter or even Oli himself – the choice is yours! Our online resource/pack contains pictures of our remarkable staff in uniforms to help you.

• Online resources/pack full of activities and ideas for both children and teachers.

Pupils at Comberbach County Primary School in Cheshire held a fun run and raised £821.

Wade Deacon High School in Widnes had afternoon tea and raised £100.

Great Crosby Catholic Primary School held a chocolate raffle and raised £71.59.

Ask your school to have a ‘School Oli-day’ and raise vital funds for Alder Hey! There are so many ways schools can get involved...

• Fundraising support to help you with your remarkable efforts including sponsor forms, posters and collection boxes.

For further information on how your school can help please ring 0151 252 5716 or email community@alderheycharity.com

Oli-days 25

Sam’s story Amy Jo was just 11 years old when her brother Sam became seriously ill. Inspired by her brother and other children on his ward she immediately wanted to do her bit to help.

17 year old Sam was taken to his local hospital after suffering a kick in the head during a karate tournament.

He was rushed to Alder Hey by emergency ambulance after his scan revealed he had hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Another scan using Alder Hey’s 3-T intra-operative MRI scanner revealed Sam also had a brain tumour.

“It was absolutely terrifying.

One minute Sam was having a routine scan, the next he

was being rushed to Alder Hey where we were given terrible news,” remembers mum Sarah. “It was coming up to Christmas and all the families had a visit from Santa. When Amy-Jo was 26 Sam’s story

asked what she would like for Christmas she simply said for her brother to get better.”

Following his surgery Sam returned home to recover but soon returned when he developed meningitis.

His family again spent many weeks at the hospital and, after meeting other poorly children, Amy-Jo promised herself she would do something to help. She has since gone on to raise many hundreds of pounds for Alder Hey by organising a family fun day in Rhyl, a raffle and persuading several family members to have their heads shaved.

“The impact on us all has been huge, but particularly Amy-Jo who has gone out and done something about it,” says Sarah. “We can’t thank Alder Hey enough, not only for the treatment Sam received but the care and kindness we all had as a family.”

Sam, a pupil at Emrys-Ap-Iwan High School in Abergele has since returned to sixth-form but needs lots of help as he is now visually impaired and suffers from short term memory loss.

Key to Sam’s quick diagnosis was Alder Hey’s 3-T intra-operative scanner. This scanner was the first of its kind for children in Europe and was funded by a £3m charitable donation from the Barclay Foundation. The scanner allows surgeons to safely and completely remove tumours, significantly increasing survival rates in brain tumour cases.

The facility is also playing a significant part in epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.

Sarah continues: “We are really proud of Sam, he has been incredibly brave. We really hope that everyone supports Alder Hey as you never know when something like this might happen and your life gets turned upside down.”

A day in the life of…

a

community fundraiser

I arrive at the office and grab a Costa coffee from the hospital restaurant before scanning the newspapers for Alder Hey stories to find out what’s going on in the local area. I also spend some time checking my emails.

I send a few good luck emails to our skydivers for their weekend jump and it’s now time to set off to a local primary school to take part in a school assembly and collect a cheque from the proceeds of their School ‘Oli’ Day.

Back to the office for an event planning meeting to discuss details and plans for our brand new event, Oli’s Safari Walk with my colleague Helen. I also help check the designs for masks and compile the volunteer list for the day.

Time for a spot of lunch in the hospital restaurant – the best homemade tomato soup in the land!

I sort out half a dozen street collection licences for our student RAG collectors for the year and respond to a raft of emails received this morning whilst out at the school.

NAME: Irene Axon OCCUPATION: Senior Com munity Fundraiser, Alder Hey Children’s Charity LENGTH OF SERVICE: 18 years FAVOURITE PART OF THE Meeting Volunteer Fun JOB: draisers

Now it’s time to update posters, photos and leaflets for our fundraising display boards, reception area and office displays.

I also write a small information piece on the Cathedral Abseil event for our social media sites.

Next on the list is a meeting with Merseyside Police about an upcoming Easter Bunny visit!

Homeward bound to grab a bite to eat and put my feet up (tidy the house, cook tea for the masses!) before an evening cheque presentation at a local rotary club meeting.

A day in the life of a fundraiser 27

Do you Dare to

SKYDIVE?!

Skyline have sites located around the country offering the chance to try either a Tandem or Static Line jump with availability throughout the year.

Or why not volunteer to take part in our Remarkable One Day Challenge on Sunday 8th June at the Lancaster airfield?

Abseil

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Saturday 9th August See Liverpool from a different view by abseiling 150ft over the main entrance of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral!

This popular challenge has a minimum sponsorship requirement of £165 and is just £35 to secure your place!

Tough Mudder 2014 RideLondon for Alder Hey! This exciting event is a unique opportunity to cycle a modified version of the 2012 Olympic road race.

Designed by special forces, the grueling but popular Tough Mudder events take on 10-12 miles of fire, ice, electricity and of course, mud.

Take on this obstacle course challenge for Alder Hey!

For all bookings and information about Alder Hey Children’s Charity events and challenges, contact our community fundraising team on 0151 252 5742 or email community@alderheycharity.com