Young patient dances her way to fundraising success

When 6-year-old Willow wanted to do something to say thank you to Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) who has looked after her since she was a baby, so she not only put on her thinking cap but her dancing shoes! Together with her Year 1 classmates she took on a sponsored ‘dress up and dance’ to raise money for QVH Charity (QVH’s dedicated hospital charity).

The children danced non-stop for a whole hour (including to songs by Willow’s favourite artist, Taylor Swift) and in doing so managed to raise an incredible £2,323.51!

Willow said “I wanted to do my dancing challenge because the hospital has helped me for my whole life, and other children too. So I thought they deserved something back to carry on helping children and make it fun at the same time!”

Willow’s mum, Harrie, said: “Since Willow was born, we have received exceptional care from the nurses and staff on Peanut Ward, along with Mr Pickford and Mr Tickunas. Their support has been a source of great comfort over the last six years, almost a second family. I’m so proud of Willow wanting to give back to them.”

Caroline King, Charity Co-ordinator for QVH Charity, said: “It is always incredible when patients decide that they want to give something back by fundraising for our QVH Charity; children like Willow getting involved is extra special! We would like to say a huge thank you to Willow, her family, her teachers and classmates for choosing raise money for our charity – their generosity has blown us away.

“Willow’s funds will go towards helping support things for patients and QVH colleagues that are above and beyond core NHS funding; every penny truly makes a difference.

Keep dancing, Willow!”

Willow’s teacher kindly made her a big cheque to bring in to show everyone including some of the team on Peanut Ward, who were amazed at how much she had raised (pictured above with Willow, centre).

If you are inspired by Willow’s story and would like to get involved with fundraising for QVH Charity yourself, please get in touch with the team at qvh.supportqvh@nhs.net or give them a call on 01342 414392. Every penny counts towards helping to rebuild lives at Queen Victoria Hospital.