Media Release QEHKL Charity

Christmas cheer comes early to support patients at The QEH who have suffered a stroke

On Friday 31 July, dedicated fundraiser Maggie Drew will bring festive cheer to Snettisham Memorial Hall as she hosts her third annual ‘Christmas in July’ music event in support of the Stroke Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (The QEH).

Maggie has been fundraising for the hospital for more than four years in memory of her mother, Moira, who received compassionate care from hospital staff during her final days. Inspired by the kindness and support her family received, Maggie has continued to raise funds to help enhance care and improve the experience of patients across the hospital.

A photo of Maggie Drew with a stroke rehabilitation nurse and Maggie's farther in the specialised wheelchair in the QEH's Stroke Rehabilitation Garden

At the end of July, Maggie will host a festive Christmas-themed music evening for anyone keen to bring a little holiday cheer to the summer months. Guests will be dancing to popular Norfolk country singer and guitarist Julie Dawn, who will be singing a collection of festive classics. Doors open at 6pm and tickets cost £11 per person, with all proceeds supporting The QEH’s Stroke Unit.

Maggie’s most recent fundraising has been to fund two new specialist adjustable wheelchairs for patients who have had a stroke. She originally raised the funds to purchase one wheelchair last March and is fundraising for a second. These wheelchairs are designed to address common post-stroke challenges, such as hemiplegia (weakness on one side), poor balance, slumping, and the need for pressure management. They also enable patients to access the Stroke Rehabilitation Garden, giving them a change of scenery and the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air. “Fundraising for the hospital over the past four years has been incredibly important to me,” Maggie reflected. “It’s my way of saying thank you for the care and support my mum received, while also helping future patients and their families.

A photo of two nurses stood next to the specialist wheelchair

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my fundraising events over the years, and I’m delighted to be getting closer to my goal of raising £30,000 for the hospital. Knowing that this year’s Christmas in July event will help fund a new wheelchair for patients on the Stroke Unit patients makes it even more special, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone who comes along.”

Jodie Tillet, Lead Nurse for Stroke Services at The QEH, shared: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm shown by Maggie and everyone who supports her fundraising efforts. Community support plays such an important role in helping us enhance the care and experience we provide for our patients, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and businesses who have contributed to the success of this event.”

Anyone wishing to join the festive celebrations can contact Maggie on 07591 732033 to book tickets.

QEHKL Charity is also seeking Christmas-themed donations for its next festive raffle. If you have any new or unwanted items suitable for a Christmas hamper, please email Charity@qehkl.nhs.uk.

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Notes to editors;

If you would like to raise funds for good causes or help an appeal at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, please take a look at our website www.qehklcharity.co.uk. Alternatively, please email our Charity team at Charity@qehkl.nhs.uk or call 01553 613309.

To download the full media release pack, please click here.
For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.

For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.

About QEHKL Charity: QEHKL Charity plays a vital role in supporting The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. The charity raises funds for medical equipment, research, services, and facilities that directly benefit patients and their families. With its support, QEHKL can provide high-quality care, expand services, and improve the hospital experience for those in need.