Hospitals’ charity Raise thanks west Hertfordshire community for support during pandemic

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to challenge hospitals across England, the community in west Hertfordshire have provided invaluable support and donations to their local hospitals' charity, Raise.

Raise, the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity, is dedicated to supporting staff and patient care across Hemel Hempstead St Albans City and Watford General hospitals.

Support groups, local businesses and individuals from across Hertfordshire have provided their support to Raise by donating goods for staff and patients while in hospital or by raising money for the charity.

The Chorleywood Support Group is one of many who have donated items to Raise enabling the charity to support staff across their hospital sites.

The support group has donated items to Raise including bottled water, wellbeing items - such as body cream and hand cream - and snacks during the last few months.

Catherine Nice from the Chorleywood Support Group said: “In the first lockdown I took part in the weekly clap for carers, but during the third lockdown, with our NHS staff in hospitals and the local community under so much pressure I wanted to make a tangible contribution.

"I have been inundated with items and multiple car loads have been given to Raise.”

This weekend, Dacorum Motorcycle Riders will be delivering gifts to hospital staff for the Raise a Rainbow campaign.

Vicky Houghton, ICU matron, said: “The support and donations we receive from the local community are incredibly well received. They help us support our staff at our local hospitals and provide some respite for our hard-working staff.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported during the pandemic – your contribution and support is really making a massive difference to your local hospitals.

"However, we still need your help so we welcome donations from anyone who is able to support us.”

The charity is incredibly grateful to everyone for their donations as this has helped boost staff morale and wellbeing in what is a very challenging time.

You can also donate via their JustGiving page - Raise a Rainbow.