Young fundraisers dance to support Southend Hospital’s specialist play team

A brave young girl who overcame her fear of hospital treatment has raised an amazing £825 for the Play Team at Southend Hospital through a special danceathon involving her friends from Expressions Theatre Arts School.

Nine-year-old Mollie Ferris, alongside 16 fellow dancer friends, completed their two-hour Danceathon in the heat of summer, raising funds to support the play team who helped her during a hospital stay earlier this year.

Due to her fear of hospitals and medical procedures, Mollie’s admission to Southend Hospital was particularly daunting. During her stay, the play team and nursing staff provided her with the emotional support needed to help calm her anxieties and guide her through treatments and tests.

Wanting to give something back, Mollie and her family decided to organise a fundraiser to thank the team that had made such a difference to her experience.

Mollie’s mum, Kate said: “When Mollie had to stay in hospital for two days it was so scary for her. The play team and the nurses were all so kind, patient and helpful to her to help calm her down. Once she came home, we talked about how we could say thank you, and fundraising felt like the perfect way. Both of my daughters love dancing, so a danceathon seemed ideal. We’re incredibly proud of Mollie and all the children who took part, and we’re delighted to have raised such a great sum of money to help other children who may need that same support.”

The money raised will benefit Southend Hospital’s play team, who provide vital support to children and families across many areas of the hospital, including the paediatric Emergency Department, outpatient appointments, blood tests, pre-operative care and inpatient stays on the children’s ward.

Clair Dade, Community Fundraising Manager for Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mollie, her family and everyone at Expressions Dance School for this wonderful fundraising effort. Our play teams play such an important role in helping children feel less anxious and more comfortable during their hospital experience. Funds raised through events like this help us continue providing activities, resources and support that make a real difference to young patients and their families. Mollie and her friends should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”