Florentina’s Feast Fridays bringing smiles to children’s wards at Basildon Hospital

Families on Basildon Hospital’s children’s ward were delighted to welcome Florentina’s Feast Fridays last Friday, bringing pizza nights to families for a special Friday night treat. This much‑loved initiative was made possible through the incredible generosity of Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation, who, with community support, donate pizzas each Friday to benefit young patients and their families whilst in hospital.

Feast Fridays were created in honour of Florentina, who tragically passed away in November 2024 at just seven years old following a diagnosis of stage 4 high‑risk neuroblastoma. Diagnosed just days before her fourth birthday, Florentina underwent intensive treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, including chemotherapy, stem cell therapy, surgeries, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Her strength and bright spirit inspired her mum, Amelia, to establish Florentina’s Footsteps Foundation in 2025, ensuring Florentina’s legacy continued forward with purpose to share the joy, happiness and the love which made her such a special little girl.

A firm favourite already at Broomfield Hospital, Florentina’s Feast Fridays are a weekly highlight amongst our staff, patients and their families. Families shared how receiving a pizza brought a smile during difficult days and helped relieve both emotional and financial strain.

Lisa Kawa‑Akenbo, Lead Health Play Specialist at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her gratitude to Florentina’s Footsteps by saying: “Florentina’s Footsteps has been absolutely incredible in the support they’ve provided to our patients and families through their pizza nights at Broomfield. We were genuinely thrilled and deeply grateful that this wonderful initiative was extended to Basildon Hospital.”

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for a Florentina’s Feast Friday Pizza Evening at Basildon Hospital, please contact info@florentinasfootstepsfoundation.co.uk. Alternatively, to contribute with a donation, visit: www.florentinasfootstepsfoundation.co.uk