My WiSH charity campaign raises more than £31,000 to fund new role at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds

A fund-raising initiative has been hailed ‘an absolute success’ after it raised more than £31,000 to fund a new role at West Suffolk Hospital.

Earlier this year, the My WiSH charity launched the ‘Grow Your Dough’ campaign, giving more than 30 fund-raising teams £50 each to see how creatively they could grow their money between April and June.

Bakeries, shops, schools, pubs and care homes took part in the challenge to successfully raise £31,330.17 which will be used to provide an activity assistant role based on the G4 ward at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, where many patients live with dementia or delirium.

The charity hosted an awards evening to hand out trophies to reward some of the fund-raising teams.

The award for ‘Best Community Fund-Raiser’ was given to two teams, Quality Eats café in Moreton Hall and Brandon-based school Glade Academy, for helping to spread awareness of the charity.

Danie Curd, founder of Quality Eats, said: “When My WiSH approached us to take part in Grow Your Dough, of course we said yes.

“Dementia affects so many people, including my grandma, so we are honoured to have won the ‘Best Community Fund-Raiser’ award and we would love to do this again.”

Catering business Elite Cakes & Buffets was named ‘Most Dedicated Team’ while Clarkes of Walsham took home the trophy for ‘Best Fund-Raising Idea’ with the team’s take on classic British TV programmes for their fund-raising events.

The most anticipated award for ‘Most Dough Raised’ was given to the bar staff from Bury Town Football Club who raised £3,232.95 through a race night, raffle and sponsored 14-mile walk.

Rosie Cawston, ward G4 manager at West Suffolk Hospital, said: “Thank you for your support.

“To have a specific role dedicated to engaging with patients with dementia and delirium is hugely valuable to us on the ward.

“We know this kind of interaction is vital to our older patients to help maintain their cognitive skills while they are in hospital.

“We are so pleased that we have successfully recruited our activity assistant, and they will be starting this exciting new role soon.”

The award ceremony was sponsored by Knights Lowe, chartered accountants and business advisors based in Bury, who also gave each of the participating teams their starting £50 donations.

Tanya Fifield, fund-raising officer and event organiser, said: “The charity have been blown away by our teams’ commitment to supporting ward G4 and dementia care.

“We have attended some wonderful events over the last three months, all of which have kindly helped to spread awareness of what we do and how we can help.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported Grow Your Dough, it has been a pleasure working alongside you all.”

Jeremy Over, executive director of workforce and communications, added: “Once again, our fund-raisers have stepped-up to make this campaign an absolute success and on behalf of our Trust I would like to thank them most sincerely.

“Their commitment and dedication represent the very best of our community across the west of Suffolk, and the experience of our patients will be enhanced as a direct result.”