A fundraising appeal launched by the borough’s only dedicated NHS charity has hit its £46,000 target in a year to fund life-saving medical equipment for young people being cared for at Croydon University Hospital.
Big breath: Croydon hospital clinical staff and Dr Suraj Paudel (third left), who raised nearly £3,000 by cycling from London to Brighton
Inspired by six-year-old Mason Mole, who received life-saving ventilation at the hospital as a toddler, the Little Breaths appeal launched in July 2023 with the aim of raising £46,000 to purchase two children’s ventilators.
Each year, up to 70 seriously ill children require emergency ventilation as a result of conditions including sepsis, asthma or serious infections.
The appeal raised more than its target thanks to support from individuals and organisations, including South London and Beckenham Crematoria, Bluewater PE, The BRIT School, Cemplas and HATS Group Ltd.
According to the hospital charity, Croydon Health Charity, “Croydon has one of the highest rates in London for children needing hospital care for asthma, and has seen an increase in the number of children admitted with respiratory problems.”
As well as donations, various fund-raising events have been staged, including Dr Suraj Paudel, the hospital’s head of clinical coding and data quality, who raised almost £3,000 by cycling from London to Brighton
“Donations have purchased two children’s ventilators for the Emergency Department and Rainbow Children’s Unit which will help to deliver life-saving breaths for some of the sickest children in Croydon, from babies to teenagers,” the charity said.
Sarah Mclaggan, head of nursing for children’s services, said: “We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Little Breaths appeal. This additional medical equipment will further enhance the paediatric care we provide. Supporters have fundraised in so many wonderful ways from Channel swims and runs to pony walks and cake sales!”
Croydon Health Charity supports the care and wellbeing of patients and healthcare staff at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust by funding additional equipment, resources and training.
Previous appeals have included raising £150,000 to fund improved family facilities, relaxations rooms, play spaces and playgrounds within a dedicated new children’s care unit at Croydon University Hospital.
To find out more please visit www.croydonhealthcharity.org.uk
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