Leeds Children's Hospital appeal celebrates first donation as Lowell gives £35,000 towards building project

Leeds Hospitals Charity is launching a major fundraising appeal to support the Hospitals of the Future vision set out by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The current plans outline the development of two state-of-the-art new hospital buildings on the Leeds General Infirmary site. They will deliver a range of adult health services and also be the new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Credit management company Lowell has become the first donor to the appeal after pledging £35,000, continuing a partnership with the charity that has seen it raise more than £350,000 in support of the city's hospitals.

John Pears, UK managing director at Lowell, said: "Giving back to our local community is something that's really important to us and we're so proud to be able to support Leeds Hospitals Charity who help improve and save people's lives.

"I think everyone at Lowell feels a really strong sense of pride in our association with Leeds Hospitals Charity and we look forward to continuing our partnership and support long into the

future."

The partnership, which first began in 2015, was driven by two employees who have had firsthand experience of the devastation a cancer diagnosis of a loved one can cause.

Jordan and Elizabeth Long organised the incredibly successful Laugh In The Face Of Cancer comedy night, to raise funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity after Elizabeth’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The event at the City Varieties Music Hall has raised £35,000 in the past six years for Leeds Cancer Centre, with the inspiration being that laughter is the best medicine.

Lowell has also been able to fundraise such a significant amount by taking on many of the charity’s challenge events such as the Dragan Boat Race Festival, Leeds 10k, Leeds Half Marathon and Yorkshire Three Peaks.

It has also made donations throughout the pandemic, such as giving money from its Christmas party fund when celebrations were unable to take place.

Esther Wakeman, chief executive at Leeds Hospitals Charity said: "The support of Lowell means a huge amount, it allows us to continue our life-changing work and to keep on helping our NHS heroes – which is so important at a time like now when the NHS is under such strain.

"Due to generous donations from companies like Lowell, we have been able to help fund lifesaving equipment, research fellowships and improvements to the patient environment.

"Every penny donated helps support the hard-working staff at our hospitals and enhances the experience of patients and their families."

Contact corporate partnerships manager Alison Cameron via [email protected] or call 0113 539 7020 to find out about how your business can support the charity's work.

What is Leeds Hospitals Charity?

Leeds Hospitals Charity - previously known as Leeds Cares - is the dedicated charity for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

It works closely with the more than 18,000 people who work at our local hospitals to support projects that the NHS does not fund, helping to relieve pressure on staff and make a real difference to the experience of patients and their families.

With the support of generous donors, it makes that valuable contribution by raising funds for equipment, services, education and research.

The charity provides support for eight areas which include Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Children’s Hospital, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James’s University Hospital, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Seacroft Hospital, Wharfedale Hospital and Leeds Dental Institute.

Working with local communities, schools and businesses across the city and beyond, it provides an average of £5m in additional funding for the trust each year.

With more regular donors, the charity would be able to do even more to back projects that have the potential to do so much good for hospital staff and patients.

Now the Yorkshire Evening Post is asking readers to back the Help Your Hospitals campaign by becoming a friend of the charity and helping to raise an additional £3m during 2021.

Text FRIEND to 70660 to donate £5 a month or visit leedshospitalscharity.org.uk to set up a regular donation for any sum or make a one-off gift to the charity.