19 Apr Northamptonshire Health Charity Receives Generous £60,000 Donation Towards Children’s Outdoor Play Area Appeal at Northampton General

Northamptonshire Health Charity is delighted to announce a significant milestone in its campaign to enhance the outdoor facilities for young patients at Northampton General Hospital (NGH). Thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Nunney family, who organised the ‘Strictly Sebastian’ fundraising event in memory of their son Sebastian, the charity has received a substantial donation towards its goal of raising over £250,000 for the Disney and Paddington wards’ outdoor play area.

The existing outdoor space, serving as the sole play area for children across the hospital, has long needed an update to make it more suitable. With the support of the community and dedicated fundraising efforts, the aim is to greatly enhance the facilities provided for young patients undergoing treatment and create a welcoming and engaging space.

Children of varying ages and abilities, including those receiving chemotherapy, benefit from outside space as an important part of treatment or recovery. Play is crucial helping children express feelings and alleviate anxieties. The enhanced space will offer diverse outdoor play and physiotherapy options, including improved accessibility for children with physical disabilities.

“The more money we raise for the Children’s Play Area at NGH, the bigger difference we will be able to make because we will be able to do even more to the existing space,” said Allison McCulloch, Head of Expenditure and Impact at Northamptonshire Health Charity. “What we currently have is not ideal. It is not very accessible and is very weather dependent. The changes we are going to make will make a huge difference for children.”

Gemma Stockton, Children’s Macmillan Lead Nurse, said, “It is important to highlight that it is the only outdoor space for children in the whole of the hospital and it covers two children’s ward. Without this being revamped there is literally nowhere else for children to go.”

The ‘Strictly Sebastian’ event, held at Wicksteed Park Pavilion in February, raised an incredible £60,000 in Sebastian’s memory, surpassing the initial target and inspiring further community involvement. In addition to the Nunney family’s donation, over £100,000 has been raised by patients, families, and the local community through various fundraising activities.

Palmer Winstanley, Interim Chief Executive of Northampton General Hospital said, “On behalf of Northampton General Hospital, I want to say a massive thank you to the family. Their incredible work will ensure Sebastian’s memory will live on and it will have a huge impact on children and their families in the future.”

With £165,206 raised to date, Northamptonshire Health Charity remains committed to fundraising to improve the well-being of young patients at NGH. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in creating a therapeutic and inclusive outdoor space for children undergoing treatment.

For those interested in supporting the appeal, please visit northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/play