Residents of Surrey Grove in Carshalton have donated almost £1,500 to the League of Friends for St Helier Hospital, thanks to a street party extravaganza that brought the local community together for an afternoon of music, fun and games.
The party went down a treat with local people, who came out in force to support the event and enjoy a range of fun activities which included a tombola, raffle, egg and spoon race, and tug of war.
In total, the Surrey Grove street party raised an impressive £1466.48, which will go towards supporting the dementia focused ward at St Helier Hospital (Ward C2), adopted by the League of Friends as their special cause for the year. Dee Fenn, one of the residents who organised the street party, explained: “As local people, we are incredibly proud of St Helier Hospital and wanted to do something to support the hospital. Through my involvement in the League of Friends, I heard about the development of the dementia friendly ward at St Helier and knew that this was a cause we would absolutely want to get behind, especially as dementia affects so many people.
“We were very fortunate to receive significant support from local businesses who supplied prizes for the raffle and helped promote the event, and it was fantastic that so many people turned out to support us on the day. We are really pleased that the money our community has raised will help make a difference to people living with dementia.”
Dee was joined by a number of her fellow Surrey Grove residents for a visit to Ward C2 to present the cheque to Val Brundle, Chairman of the League of Friends, and the team on Ward C2. While there, the group were taken on a tour of the ward. Val said: “It was great to be taken on a tour and see some of features that make C2 so special, and to hear about what the money will go towards providing.
“I’d like to say thank you to Dee and the Surrey Grove residents for their very generous donation. They clearly put a lot of work in to the street party (which sounds like it was a lot of fun!) and the money they have raised will go a long way to helping us continue our support for Ward C2.”
Chief Operating Officer at Epsom and St Helier hospitals Caroline Landon, who was also on-hand to meet the Surrey Grove residents and join them on the tour, said: “A lot of work has gone into developing Ward C2 into a dementia friendly environment. From touches like the calming colours of nature throughout the ward to our new digital aquarium, we have created a unique space that has been designed specifically for people living with dementia.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of the League of Friends, and to the residents of Surrey Grove for this wonderful donation – thanks to their generosity we are able to continue building on the great work that has gone into developing Ward C2.”
