“That Christmas, Queen Victoria Hospital was my home.”

Sandi’s story shines a light on the QVH Charity Christmas Appeal

For many, Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness. But for patients in hospital it can be a time of uncertainty and isolation. That was the case for Sandi, who spent nine weeks at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) over Christmas receiving life-saving treatment for head and neck cancer. That Christmas the hospital was her home.

“I had just lost my partner, and then came the diagnosis,” Sandi recalls. “I couldn’t speak, but I never felt alone. The staff became like my family.”

Sandi underwent complex surgery to remove cancer from her nose, lip, and part of her mouth. The care she received – and the small, thoughtful extras funded by the QVH Charity, the hospital’s dedicated charity – made all the difference.

“The dignity, the kindness, the warmth – it changed me,” she says. “Thanks to people I’ll never meet who donated to QVH Charity, I felt seen and supported.”

Matt, a Consultant in the Critical Care Unit, has seen the impact of donations first-hand. “Some patients are recovering from major surgery. Others, like Sandi, are just holding on to hope. Your kindness brings light into some of the darkest places.”

This Christmas, QVH Charity is asking for your help to shine a light for patients and staff spending extended periods of time in the hospital. Your donation can help provide:

• Comforting extras that make hospital feel more like home
• Festive treats and support packs for patients and families
• Morale boosts for staff working long shifts
• Long-term improvements that support recovery beyond Christmas.

“That’s not small. That’s everything,” says Sandi.

Can you help support patients like Sandi and hardworking staff like Matt?

Together, we can make sure no one at QVH feels alone this Christmas.

Click the ‘Donate Now’ link below to make your donation.

If you would prefer to donate a different way, please give the team a call on 01342 414392.