The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH) is calling on the local community to donate items for an online charity auction, to raise funds for its Maternity Bereavement Suite Appeal.
The public and artists are encouraged to use any free time they may have during the lockdown to check their attics and garages, and donate items including artwork, coins, stamps, military and sporting memorabilia. The money raised will go towards purchasing furnishings and essential extras for the new facility to make it as comfortable and homely as possible for the bereaved families who will stay there.
The appeal for a Maternity Bereavement Suite at QEH was launched by the Trust in early 2020 with an ambition to build a dedicated facility for bereaved parents who sadly lose their babies either during, or shortly after birth. The space will enable parents to create precious memories with their baby, at their most difficult time, in a safe and welcoming space away from a clinical setting.
With thanks to funds raised by the local community and the Trust’s own charity, the much-needed redevelopment received the go-ahead in November 2020, however additional funds are being raised to furnish the suite and make it as welcoming as possible for families who will use it.
The auction will take place later this year with thanks to the goodwill of Fakenham-based auctioneers James and Sons, and the date will be set once items are received. James and Sons director David James said: “We are delighted to support such a good charitable cause. We have helped a number of organisations over the last few years, we did one for the Royal British Legion for 800 uniforms and we will do our best to help here too.”
Among the items already donated to the auction is Nikki Brown-Smith’s oil painting of Hunstanton Lighthouse. The former graphic designer devoted 300 hours to the masterpiece during lockdown, and hopes the painting will raise at least £300 for the appeal.
If you have items you are willing to donate for the auction, please contact Laurence Morlaàs, QEH fundraising executive, on 01553 613373, or at Laurence.morlaas@qehkl.nhs.uk. Items including artwork, coins, and stamps, military and sporting memorabilia are all welcomed, however furniture cannot be received.
You can also give to the appeal online at justgiving.com/campaign/QEHMaternityBereavementSuite or send cheques payable to ‘Maternity Bereavement Suite Appeal’ to Finance Department, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn PE30 4ET.
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