NHS puts money on the number 60

PATIENT Anne Kuhnert launches the 60 for 60 appeal on G2 ward at the Royal Oldham Hospital with Staff Nurse Debbie Howe, and fund-raising manager Jan Bolton

HEALTH staff are turning their 60th anniversary celebrations into a major fund-raiser.

The NHS celebrates its diamond jubilee on July 5, and at the Royal Oldham Hospital staff are inviting business leaders, community organisations and schools to find ways to raise 60p, £6 or £60.

The symbolic amounts are part of the 60 for 60 campaign that was launched on Friday by Pennine Acute Hospitals Charity.

Fund-raising manager Jan Bolton said she hoped that a wide range of Oldham organisations would register.

She said: “We always say that it doesn’t matter how much is given. Be it pennies or pounds, it is all gratefully received and put to good use to buy those little extras.

“Small change can make a big difference. That has been the case ever since the NHS was formed, so it makes sense to use that approach as our theme for the 60th anniversary.

“We’d like people — or the organisations which they are part of — to raise either 60p, £6, which is 10p a total of 60 times over, or £60 for our charity.

“Those funds can be earmarked for specific hospitals in the trust, and we promise that all donations will all help make a difference whatever the final total is.

“If any big company has 60 employees who want to raise £60 each then obviously that’s very welcome too.

“And anyone working for a big business should remember to ask if their employers do match-funding, as it is now part of many corporate and social responsibility policies.

“People shouldn’t feel tied to the July 5 date in any way as 60 for 60 will be running until the end of the year.

“If anyone wants to get involved, then they should give me a call. And if you fancy taking part, but are a little short on ideas, then again, please get in touch.

“To help to support the campaign, we’ve got a list of 60 simple fund-raising suggestions for all ages.

“Kind-hearted people donated more than £150,000 to our four hospitals last year, and 60 for 60 will help us to drive that sum even higher.”

Donations will also be received by any of the hospitals’ cashiers or at www.pat.nhs.uk

For more information, contact Jan on 0161-908 4497 or jan.bolton@pat.nhs.uk