Jimmy Doherty joined forces with fundraising families to raise nearly £3,000 to transform the children’s department at Ipswich Hospital, on Sunday. And one family had more reason than most to support the latest fundraiser for The Children’s Appeal
This year’s Welly Walk, held at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park on Sunday, raised £2,850 for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity – and the transformation of the children’s department at Ipswich Hospital in particular. Participants of all ages donned their wellington boots alongside friends and family and took advantage of the autumn sunshine to make a difference in the lives of young patients.
They included Mili Benneworth, who has a personal connection with the children’s department. She says: ‘Ipswich Hospital is the place where Amélie was born. She spent three weeks in the neonatal unit, and it has been one of our most visited places in 2021 and 2022.
‘The hospital and staff have been amazing with Amélie and us during our visits and stays, so we wanted to say thank you by raising as much money as possible to contribute towards the new children’s department.’
The Welly Walk, a 5km stomp around the Farm and Wildlife Park, was organised to raise funds towards the redevelopment of a new-look children’s department at the hospital, which will provide high quality facilities which match the outstanding care that young patients already receive. Jimmy Doherty is the appeal’s ambassador.
Cait Pilkington, events manager with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, adds: ‘We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part and Jimmy for their incredible support as we continue to fundraise the final £22,000 for The Children’s Appeal. We would like to thank all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.’
Visit Childrens Appeal News and colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk.
Featured image of Amelie and family (picture credit: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity)
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