Fylde coast NHS charity 'overwhelmed by kindness' of community donations

A Fylde coast NHS charity has been 'overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity' from local communities which have rallied round to donate food, drinks, toiletries and clothing to NHS staff.
By Rebecca Beardmore
Published 3rd Apr 2020, 11:45 BST
Updated 3rd Apr 2020, 11:48 BST
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Blue Skies Hospital Fund, the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, wanted to thank Fylde coast communities for their generosity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kila Redfearn, head of Blue Skies, said: "We know how generous the people of the Fylde coast are and it's incredibly moving to see so many local businesses and individuals come forward to support our hardworking staff.

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"The NHS is there for us in our time of need and now, more than ever, it's important to look after the staff so they can continue to care for us all.

Blue Skies' Kila Redfearn with staff from Blackpool Victoria Hospital with donations made by local communities. (Photo taken before social distancing guidelines issued)Blue Skies' Kila Redfearn with staff from Blackpool Victoria Hospital with donations made by local communities. (Photo taken before social distancing guidelines issued)
Blue Skies' Kila Redfearn with staff from Blackpool Victoria Hospital with donations made by local communities. (Photo taken before social distancing guidelines issued)

"Blue Skies is working extremely hard to ensure the donated goods and supplies are being distributed across our sites to help boost staff morale."

Now the charity has teamed up with Blackpool's Business Improvement District (BID) and the Winter Gardens, to provide a coordinated drop off and distribution point for donations.

Mike Simmons, from BID, said: "While we appreciate many individuals will be keen to help, and smaller donations will also be welcome, this scheme will also allow for the storage of large donations such as bottled water."

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If you want to drop off any donations, you will need to call 01253 629748 at least 30 minutes before you intend to do so, with details of the items you will be donating.

Jess Lonsdale from Blue Skies with water donations from Bookers wholesalers in Blackpool.Jess Lonsdale from Blue Skies with water donations from Bookers wholesalers in Blackpool.
Jess Lonsdale from Blue Skies with water donations from Bookers wholesalers in Blackpool.

For more information, visit https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/blueskies/support-your-local-nhs/.

Blue Skies are also still collecting cash donations, which will be given to whichever department has the greatest need at the time.

Cash donations can be made through its JustGiving page.

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Related topics:NHSFyldeBIDBlackpool