A message of thanks from our Director of Charities and Voluntary Services for a fantastic 2024

As we near the end of 2024, I find this to be the perfect moment to reflect on the achievements of the past year and extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community of supporters, none of what we could do could be done without them. It’s also an opportunity to look ahead to 2025 with hope and optimism, wishing health and happiness for everyone.

2024 has been another fantastic year for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity. Together, we’ve made significant impact in improving care and enhancing the lives of our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff. This year has been defined by the unwavering generosity and spirit of our supporters, and we couldn’t be prouder of all that’s been achieved.

The Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal continued to gain momentum, bringing us closer to our goal of enhancing radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients. To date £540,000 of the £600,000 target has been reached and the first two devices have already been installed ready for Radiotherapy teams to get using this cutting-edge technology on our cancer patients.

We’ve also seen the positive impact of numerous projects funded by our supporters, from upgrading essential equipment to creating more welcoming and comfortable spaces for patients and visitors.

We’ve been amazed by the efforts of so many:

  • Families and friends taking part in Walk for Wards, raising an incredible £13,000 to support various areas of our hospitals.
  • Brave participants abseiling Southend Hospital’s tower block, bringing in an astonishing £40,000 to help fund vital services.
  • Community groups, schools, and individuals organizing creative fundraisers, from bake sales to sponsored challenges, all of which made a real difference.
  • Donations that supported projects like the refurbishment of wards, quiet rooms, sensory play equipment for children, and well-being initiatives for our staff.

This year also marked new milestones in volunteer engagement, with our dependable volunteers giving over 120,000 hours of their time to support patients, staff, and visitors. Your kindness and commitment inspire us every day.

As we reflect on this year, we are humbled by the incredible level of support shown by our community. Every donation, event, and act of kindness has had a tangible impact, making hospital experiences brighter and better for all.

On behalf of the charity team, I want to thank you for your dedication and loyalty. Your support is not just appreciated – it is transformational. As we step into 2025, let’s continue working together to make even more meaningful improvements to care across Mid and South Essex Hospitals.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!