Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 30th Anniversary Gala to transform patient care.
An incredible £80,000 has been raised for West Herts Hospitals during a fundraising dinner celebrating the charity’s 30th anniversary. The funds, secured for the Caring for Generations Appeal, will support projects to improve environments and diagnostics for patients, from newborns to the elderly.
How the funds will help
The total raised will directly support four key areas:
- Neonatal Diagnostics: A new heart ultrasound machine for the neonatal unit at Watford General Hospital for quick and accurate diagnostics.
- Children’s Comfort: Refurbished isolation rooms for children with serious illnesses, providing privacy and a better environment during treatment.
- Paediatric Experience: Specialist sensory equipment for children in outpatients to create a calming experience during appointments.
- Dementia Care: Dementia-friendly environments on Oxhey Ward to ensure dignity and reduce anxiety for elderly patients.
Gala Highlights
Held at The Grove Hotel in Watford, the evening marked three decades of charity support for the West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Guests were welcomed by Charity Chair Jonathan Rennison and CEO Alison Rosen. The charity’s Patron, The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ Hon.LLD, attended the event and was welcomed by guests who stood for his entrance.
A highlight of the evening was a conversation between The Lord-Lieutenant, Consultant Paediatrician Dr Jeremy Roskin, and his former patient, Abigail Jacobs. Abigail, now 17 and working towards her A-Levels, shared her experience of receiving long-term treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity, said:
“As this was our first fundraising dinner, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity. Raising over £80,000 is a huge achievement that will accelerate efforts to deliver essential equipment and improve hospital environments. I would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, guests, and everyone who supported this evening.”
Dr Jeremy Roskin, Consultant Paediatrician, added:
“Hearing Abigail share her experience truly underscored the importance of providing a supportive environment. The funds raised for the refurbished isolation rooms will transform the hospital stay for seriously ill children, giving them and their families comfort and privacy when they need it most.”
The Evening’s Activities
The event was compered by Lee Partridge and featured entertainment from Electric Umbrella’s Big Yellow Choir and British soprano Alexandra Bell-Cobbold. Fundraising activities included a raffle, a ‘Heads and Tails’ game, and a live and silent auction. The live auction was led by property auctioneer Andrew Binstock (Homes Under The Hammer).
View the highlights in our gallery below or watch our reel on Instagram.
