By Trevor Still, Partner, Lyons Davidson Solicitors
After the successes of last year’s local focus for the charity committees, Lyons Davidson has again decided to raise funds in this way for 2012. Once again, staff in each of our offices were invited to nominate a good cause. The most nominated were then shortlisted and staff in each location voted for which charity they wanted to support for the coming 12 months. We are delighted to announce that the charities we have selected for 2012 are:
Bristol: Macmillan Cancer Support to raise funds for a teenager and young adult aftercare specialist in Bristol, who will help teenage cancer survivors adjust to lifestyle changes and provide them with support and guidance at every step. Macmillan Cancer Support is a national charity that works locally and currently, it spends more money than it raises in Bristol.
Leeds: Wheatfield Hospice, a specialist unit in Headingley, run by Sue Ryder. The hospice enriches the lives of those living with serious illness, and their loved ones, by using the skills of a specialised team of Community Clinical Nurse Specialists, who provide palliative care and psychological support. The hospice is also home to a consultant in palliative medicine.
Solihull and Birmingham: Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Birmingham Children’s Hospital treats nearly a quarter of a million sick children each year. Many of these youngsters are in very difficult circumstances and all are courageous and determined. The £3 million a year raised is used to make the hospital as up-to-date and child-friendly as possible, as well as funding research and buying medical equipment. Marie Curie Cancer Care supports more than 30,000 people affected by terminal cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Two thousand Marie Curie nurses assist patients in their homes, and there are also nine hospices around the country that offer expert care. The charity also conducts vital research into caring for terminally ill patients.
Surrey, Bexhill-on-Sea and Whitstable: Cancer Research UK and Army of Angels. Cancer Research UK is the British arm of the worldwide charity dedicated to finding new ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. In this country, Cancer Research employs more than 4,000 researchers and medical staff to fight cancer and relies entirely on donations to fund its work. The Army of Angels supports army, navy and air force personnel who have been physically or mentally injured in conflicts and also helps dependants in need.
Plymouth: The Primrose Unit at Derriford Hospital is a breast care centre that offers a dedicated service for investigating benign problems and breast cancer. Using the expertise of Derriford Hospital’s surgical, radiology and nursing teams, it deals with 4,000 patients every year.
Cardiff: Tŷ Hafan is the only hospice dedicated to children and young people in South Wales. It provides palliative care, in a hospice and in patients’ homes, to youngsters with life-limiting conditions, looking after their emotional, social and spiritual welfare, while also providing support to their families. It relies on the public’s generosity for most of its funding.
Edinburgh: Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), which runs the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people. Its two hospices provide short breaks, emergency support, end-of-life-care and bereavement services for children affected by life-shortening illnesses and their families. CHAS also provides at-home care and relies mainly on donations for funding.