COMMUNITY HEROES
Doctor’s Orders MIRIAM BALANESCU MEETS THE FUNDRAISING TEAM AT CAMBRIDGE’S CORE HOSPITAL, ADDENBROOKE’S CHARITABLE TRUST CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
research, with Addenbrooke’s staff identifying the first cases of long Covid and researching asymptomatic patients. Simultaneously, its charity fundraised £1.6 million in mere months, fuelling those developments. “It was all about doubling down to ensure we could make a huge impact from those donations,” says Claire. “We grew our active supporters by about 45%.” Now we’re surfacing from lockdowns, fundraising has changed intrinsically – but some passions are returning. “More people are interested in doing adventure-based challenge events,” Claire muses, “but hand in hand, we have more people who are doing what we would call ‘do-it-yourself’ fundraising or virtual fundraising. For one fundraiser for robots, it wasn’t enough for him to do a marathon – he wanted to do it in the shape of a robot.” The fundraising team’s life is punctuated by astounding stories of support. “Seven-year- old Isla Hastings was inspired by the pyramid project she was doing at school, but has a rare genetic condition and locked-down hips. She wanted to ride a bike, but couldn’t because of her condition. After
ddenbrooke’s Hospital is undeniably a major Cambridge
landmark. With over one million people passing through its doors every year, it’s likely that most of us will, at some point, pay a visit and be seen by one of its 10,440 staff. In the wake of austerity, many hospitals have been chronically underfunded and understaffed – a problem exacerbated by the pandemic. Bodies like Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, founded in the late 90s, work to offset the impact on the NHS. “The hospital itself was founded in 1766, built with a philanthropic gift from John Addenbrooke, who gave enough money to create a small local hospital,” says director of fundraising Claire Billing. “We’re based on that heritage.” Addenbrooke’s is a precious part of Cambridge’s landscape, providing a literal lifeline to thousands of patients. “The whole of the east of England can be treated at Addenbrooke’s, and sometimes further afield,” explains Claire. “It’s a teaching hospital and we’ve got some really specialist areas on campus that treat rare cancers and genetic diseases.”
IN THIS TOGETHER Supporters have found all manner of ways to support the Trust – with some opting for rather outlandish costumes!
On a daily basis we mix with patients and families
a Facebook plea for help, someone donated this amazing trike, and she said, I’m going to cycle the pyramid run, which is about 46 miles.” She raised £11,000. Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival will hit the water at Fen Ditton once again this September, with 40 teams taking part to raise money for the Trust. “We’re able to get that wonderful sense of competition back: local businesses pitching against one another, open water,” Claire enthuses. “What could possibly go wrong? We’ve really missed events like this.” Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival takes place on 10 September. Find out how you can lend a hand at act4addenbrookes.org.uk
Addenbrooke’s a Robot’ challenge, based on feedback from all parties. “It’s about identifying with the Trust what the main strategic priorities are, and listening to our community of supporters,” Claire explains. A new children’s hospital is in the works, along with many other incredible initiatives. “On a daily basis, we mix with patients and families who feel tremendously thankful for the care they and their loved ones have received,” Claire says. “Shining that warmth back to the hospital, so they can hear what the public feel, is quite a special part of our job.” As a city, Cambridge has been at the front line of cutting-edge Covid-19
Claire joined the charity in 2003 after experiencing its indispensable work first-hand. “My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in the late-90s. I’d finished university and came here while he underwent chemo. I remember thinking, this is an amazing place. It was always bustling and busy. Lots of patients go straight on research trial, so there are lots of opportunities for patients to benefit from that translational research, bench to bedside – happening on the campus – far quicker than in other areas.” Fundraisers operate as go-betweens for hospital staff, patients and supporters, organising campaigns such as the ‘Buy
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