Hospital charity received £290,000 thanks Capt Sir Tom Moore

The Dudley Group NHS Charity received more than £290,000 in grant funding after Capt Sir Tom raised an incredible £32.8m for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

Thanks to the donation the charity has been able to support the emotional and practical needs of staff and volunteers at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, including counselling programmes and helplines, so they can focus on their lifesaving work at a time of immense pressure.

Staff have also welcomed the creation of breakaway places to rest, both indoors and outside.

The donation has also helped to provide ways for Dudley Group patients unable to have visitors due to the pandemic to communicate with family members and to ease the boredom of being in hospital.

Therapy staff have computers with specialist software which have a range of interactive games to increase mobility, but also have movies and music to while away a few hours.

More than 300 patient care bags have also been given out which contain essential toiletries, water bottle and other treats.

Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The support of NHS charities will be crucial in the years ahead as the health service recovers from the most challenging period in its history. Thanks to Captain Sir Tom Moore’s efforts funds have made a huge difference, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.”

Karen Phillips, fundraising manager for the trust, added: “It was amazing following Captain Sir Tom Moore’s journey last year, and to see all the fellow fundraisers who were inspired by him.

"He was a true beacon of light in a tunnel of uncertainty, and he changed the face of community fundraising forever. Captain Tom’s efforts and legacy has made an immeasurable difference to the future of NHS Charities.”

Capt Sir Tom's funeral will take place on Saturday February 27.