Members of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT)’s Diana Children’s Community Service are used to ‘going the extra mile’ in the care they provide for poorly children and their families, and now it’s the turn of others to run miles for them. 26 members of staff and supporters are taking part in this Sunday’s full and half marathon in Leicester to raise funds for the service’s 20th anniversary appeal.

The Diana Children’s Community Service, which includes nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare support workers and family practitioners, and is named after the late Princess Diana, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in January. As part of the celebrations, a special appeal has been set up to raise funds for specific resources and equipment, beyond the scope of core NHS provision, that will enhance the care provided throughout a child’s illness and at the end of life.

Items on the ‘wish list’ include end of life care bundles, memory boxes and finger print jewellery. End of life care bundles bring together in one place all the supplies needed to make a child comfortable in their final hours, and ensure that these things are readily available at short notice. Creating memory boxes and finger print jewellery helps grieving siblings, parents and carers capture lasting memories. Many cancer charities already offer
these, but no similar provision is currently in place for the families of non-oncology patients.

Ben Brocklebank (pictured on the right of the picture), whose baby son Oscar was born with the genetic disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1 in June 2017 and was cared for by nurses from the Diana Service, is running the full marathon to raise money for the appeal. He says: “Julie and Dawn (pictured with Ben on the right of the picture) provided nursing care for Oscar from the start, and were a massive support throughout his short life. As well as kindness, understanding and emotional support, they offered really practical help, anticipating Oscar’s needs, co-ordinating equipment and overseeing the transition to Rainbows Hospice just before his death last December. Julie and Dawn’s involvement allowed me and my
wife Elly the space to just enjoy our time at home with Oscar. They really are pretty amazing!”

LPT’s chief executive, Dr Pete Miller (pictured second from left), who will be running the half marathon, says: “I’m really proud of the difference that our staff make for families, and wanted to do my bit for this special appeal.”

‘Diana Team 20’ running vests and supporters t-shirts in the Diana service’s trademark purple, have been generously provided by local property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard. Alastair Hamilton, partner at the firm (also pictured) says: “We are delighted to sponsor the marathon runners as part of the Diana Children’s Community Service’s 20th anniversary appeal. The service does amazing work for very poorly children in Leicestershire and Rutland and their families.”

The Diana 20th Anniversary Appeal is run by LPT’s charity, Raising Health.
Donations can be made by visiting:
www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/raisinghealth/dianateam20

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) provides community health, mental health and learning disabilities services for the one million people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We have a budget in excess of £275 million and employ approximately 5,500 staff.
    For more information visit: www.leicspart.nhs.uk. Our registered charity is called Raising Health (charity number 1057361). The charity fundraises to support excellent care initiatives, equipment and innovations which go above and beyond core NHS provision to enhance the
    experience of our patients, service users and staff. See www.raisinghealth.org.uk
  • For more information, please contact Rosie Huckle Communications Manager for Families, Young People and Children’s Services, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Tel: 0116 2950802, Email: rosie.huckle@leicspart.nhs.uk