Dunelm customers deliver joy to NHS patients

Hundreds of hospital patients will receive a Christmas gift in their stockings thanks to generous customers and staff at Dunelm Rotherham.

The store, based at West Bawtry Road, launched its ‘Delivering Joy’ campaign once again this year to provide presents to people who might otherwise go without. Customers were asked to select a gift tag from the store’s special Christmas tree, pick a gift and return it to the store.

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity was the grateful recipient of the presents this year.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising, said: “We know times are tough for many people right now so we were absolutely bowled over to receive so many wonderful, thoughtful gifts from Dunelm customers. We filled five carriages full of presents, which will be distributed to patients at Rotherham Hospital over the Christmas bank holiday.

“Thank you so much to everyone who was kind enough to donate an extra gift to the Delivering Joy campaign. It’s humbling to see people’s generosity. ”The gifts were delivered to Rotherham Hospital by Dunelm Store Manager Scott Barstow and Mike Briggs, Store Fitter

Scott said: “We’ve run the Delivering Joy campaign for three years now to help spread festive cheer to Rotherham folk who might otherwise go without a present at Christmas. It’s our way of making a difference in our local community. Our customers never fail to amaze us with their generosity.

“It was a pleasure to deliver so many thoughtful gifts to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity this year. It’s lovely to know that hundreds of patients, young and old, will receive a gift on Christmas Day. The gesture feels more poignant when patients can’t be at home with their loved ones.”

The charity raises money to fund the extra-special resources, equipment and projects which the NHS cannot afford. Thanks to the funds raised in 2022, the charity was able to fund the new Snowdrop Suite on the Delivery Suite at Rotherham Hospital. The private room is now available for parents who sadly lose a child, allowing them to spend precious time together when it really matters the most.

Generous donations from the community enabled us to provide artwork, entertainers and musicians for the Children’s Ward, resources for the Special Care Baby Unit to celebrate International Kangaroo Care Day and World Prematurity Day as well as goodies for afternoon tea parties for patients across the hospital, encouraging hydration which is vital in a patients recovery and general wellbeing.

For more information about how you can fundraise in 2023, get in touch with the charity team on 01709 426821 or trft.charity@nhs.net