NHS Charities Together
Festive Thank You
This festive season, we’ve teamed up with Starbucks and Global radio to surprise some extraordinary members of the NHS workforce who have made all the difference to staff, patients and communities in ways you might not expect.
The inspirational members of staff who were chosen to receive a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas present have all supported vital health services through projects funded by NHS Charities Together. Their roles range from providing mental health support to their colleagues, volunteering for support groups for children with long term illnesses, and improving access to healthcare within the community.
The moments were broadcast on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, on JK and Kelly Brook’s Heart show, and on Angie Greaves’ Smooth Radio show on 13 December.
Grace Bolaji, Sickle Cell Support Group Parent Lead
Grace volunteers for a sickle cell anaemia support group funded by NHS Charities Together via Valley Hospital Charity. She helps families come to terms with their child’s diagnosis and help them to access the support and treatment they need. Grace’s own son has sickle cell anaemia, but she is also available 24/7 to hold other parents’ hands through the process. Grace was surprised on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden with a family holiday to Turkey.
Juwairiyia Motala, Community Outreach Worker
Juwairiyia is an NHS Community Outreach Worker from Gloucester, who was surprised on Smooth Radio by host Angie Greaves with a holiday of a lifetime to Oman. Her role at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is funded by NHS Charities Together via Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospital Charity, has had a tangible impact on the lives of over 20,000 people across Gloucestershire, some of whom live in areas that are among the most deprived nationally.
Jess Shield, Ward Sister
Jess, a Ward Sister at the Neurological Trauma Critical Care Unit at Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle, was surprised by hosts JK and Kelly Brook. She will be going on the trip of a lifetime to India, her bucket list destination. Jess’ care extends beyond just her patients, going the extra mile to support the close-knit team around her by becoming a mental health advocate and spearheading psychological support for staff, including a clinical psychologist funded by NHS Charities Together via Newcastle Hospitals Charity.