Flying Colours welcomes two new fundraisers

Yeovil District Hospital’s Flying Colours Appeal, which aims to raise £2.4m to enhance the Women’s Hospital, has received a boost with the appointment of two new fundraisers.

Head of Fundraising, James Kirton has a wealth of experience raising money professionally for charitable causes. He has joined Yeovil District Hospital from the charity Hope and Homes for Children. James, who lives in Crewkerne, has two young sons.

James said: “Living locally I know the role that the hospital plays in the community and I know how proud local people are of their hospital. What I want to do is make sure that this award winning hospital has an environment to match the amazing level of care that the team here provide. The Women’s Hospital is 44 years old now so we need the local community to pull together and work with us to raise the funds needed to modernise the building and the facilities.”

Community Fundraiser, Sarah Cherry has first-hand experience of the Women’s Hospital – both her daughters were born there. This is Sarah’s first job as a professional fundraiser however she has plenty of voluntary experience in community fundraising and has organised a number of sponsored swims – the most recent one raised over £1000 for the Flying Colours Appeal.

Sarah said: “This cause is very close to my heart, as I have had both my children in Yeovil Women’s Hospital.  My eldest was born through emergency caesarean, and if it wasn’t for the care and support from the hospital staff, today’s story may have been very different. I had my second daughter through a planned caesarean - it was again the care and support through the staff at all levels that I was able to deliver a healthy baby girl.”

The Appeal, which was launched in April 2010, has so far raised £300,000 towards its £2.4m target. Visitors, staff and patients in the Women’s Health and Maternity Unit will very soon be benefitting from a brand new coffee shop and reception area which celebrate the end of the first phase of the appeal.

The second phase follows straight after and it is planned to open the hospital’s first birthing pool before Easter.

The Women's Hospital, which will be known as the Women’s Health and Maternity Unit, serves around 10,000 women of all ages each year. If you wish to learn more about The Flying Colours Appeal, please visit http://www.yeovilhospital.nhs.uk/health-services/flying-colours.htm

For more information contact Head of Fundraising, James Kirton on 01935 384233.