Children at Kids Planet Ashbourne House in Conwy, North Wales, recently concluded a week of fundraising activities that successfully raised £1,245.63 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. The nursery organized a variety of events during the school holiday, including a car wash, cake sale, danceathon, quiz night, obstacle course, and a sponsored walk.
The initiative not only engaged the children, who are all aged three or younger, but also fostered a sense of community involvement and support for the renowned hospital. A representative from Alder Hey visited the nursery to collect the funds and express gratitude for the children’s efforts.
Rebecca McMillan Howden, manager of Ashbourne House, emphasized the personal connection many staff members have with Alder Hey. She shared her family’s experience with the hospital, stating, “My little sister has spina bifida occulta and she was sent to Alder Hey at eight weeks old. By the time she was one, they performed her spinal surgery, and she’s been under their care ever since.”
McMillan Howden noted that the support from Alder Hey has been invaluable to her family, saying, “We were lucky because we very nearly lost her, and Alder Hey were brilliant with us as a family, and they still are.” This personal testimony highlights the hospital’s impact on families in the region.
Staff member Holly Sifleet also shared her own experience, recalling a time when a friend suffered a cardiac arrest during a swimming outing. “They went straight under the care of Alder Hey, and they were so supportive, not just with their family but with the friends involved in the incident too,” she explained. Sifleet praised the hospital for their thorough follow-up care, ensuring that everyone affected received the necessary support.
The deputy manager, Abbey Ware, expressed appreciation for the parents’ involvement in the fundraising activities. With the holiday season approaching, she remarked, “We were really surprised and thankful at how much the parents helped out and got on board. They were amazing, and it was so lovely to see everyone come together.”
The team at Ashbourne House hopes that their efforts will contribute positively to the lives of the thousands of children treated at Alder Hey each year. They are already looking forward to planning future community fundraisers to continue their support.
This fundraising success demonstrates the strong connection between the nursery and Alder Hey, showcasing the broad respect for Liverpool’s esteemed children’s hospital. Through their collective efforts, the children and staff at Kids Planet Ashbourne House have not only raised significant funds but have also strengthened community ties and awareness of the vital services provided by Alder Hey.
