Appeal to support children's wards

Theodora Children’s Trust ‘Chores for Chuckles’ week, 13–19 May 2013

Hospital stays can often be a daunting prospect, particularly for young children. That’s why The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is appealing for the public to support the Theodora Children’s Trust ‘Chores for Chuckles’ week, 13–19 May 2013.

‘Chores for Chuckles’ week aims to bring music, magic and laughter to children’s wards throughout the country, including those at The Royal Oldham Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital.

The Trust is asking the public to take part in ‘Chores for Chuckles’ week by doing small chores or favours in return for a donation. These donations will be used to fund visits from the Theodora Children’s Trust ‘Giggle Doctors’ (specialist entertainers) to children’s wards throughout the country.

Gareth Lloyd-Johnson, The Trust’s fundraiser, explains: “We have an ongoing partnership with the Theodora Children’s Trust to bring entertainment and smiles to our children’s wards. Laughter really is a great form of medicine and it can make a hospital stay a little less daunting for the children on our wards when they’re having fun.

“We are asking the public to get involved and help us raise money for Theodora’s so that more children can benefit from this great service. All you have to do to get involved is do small chores or favours for those around you in return for a donation. This could be making someone a drink, doing the lunch run for the office, or even a spring clean for someone.

“Whatever chores you decide to do, the main aim is to have fun and raise some money for this worthwhile cause.”

Theodora Children’s Trust was set up in 1994 when two giggle doctors were introduced to the wards at Great Ormond Street Hospital by brothers Andre and Jan Poulie. The charity has gone from strength to strength since and now has 22 highly trained giggle doctors who visit more than 60,000 sick and disabled children and their families in hospital every year. This includes more than 1,800 children at North Manchester General Hospital every year.

Theodora Children’s Trust Executive Director, Sarika Brown, said: “This is the first year we’re running ‘Chores for Chuckles’. It’s a great week as it allows everyone to get involved – and get all their chores done too!”

Anyone interested in getting involved in ‘Chores for Chuckles’ week or making a donation should contact Gareth Lloyd Johnson at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Fundraising Department on 0161 918 4497 or e-mail him at: gareth.lloyd-johnson@pat.nhs.uk

For more information on the Theodora Children’s Trust, visit: www.theodora.org.uk