• Nearly £12,000 raised for charity
• Locals and business have given generously since campaign launched
• The small things are making a big difference for patients and staff

Nearly £12,000 has been raised so far by generous locals and businesses for Our Bolton NHS Charity’s The Small Things campaign.

The Small Things campaign launched in November 2021 and aims to make little changes and improvements which make a big difference to patients and staff.

The donations have been used to provide, or contribute towards:

• Christmas presents for more than 900 patients
• Bolton Neonatal Unit’s first twin cot
• Ramadan packs and Eid cards for patients are unable to observe and celebrate with family at home
• Sensory and distraction toys for children admitted to hospital in mental health crisis
• Craft supplies for orthopaedic/trauma patients living with dementia and other cognitive/sensory conditions
• Medjool dates for Muslim colleagues to break their fast during the Share Ramadan event in April

Sarah Skinner, Our Bolton NHS Charity Manager, said:

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far to The Small Things appeal.

“I don’t think you can underestimate the impact these donations have made. For example, the twin cot bought for our neonatal unit is the first we’ve had in Bolton and has so many benefits for the babies, as well as allowing parents to spend time with both their babies at once.

“I’m proud of the difference we’re making for our patients and our staff.

Donations have been made by Bolton locals and from local and national businesses.

Sharon Martin, Charity Director of Our Bolton NHS Charity and Director of Strategy, Transformation & Digital at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

The support we’ve been able to provide for our staff and our patients thanks to such generous donations and contributions is humbling.

“Even the smallest thing can make such a huge difference and make people feel truly valued, especially for patients who have been unable to welcome visitors during the pandemic.

Bolton local, and The Apprentice candidate, Aaron Willis has been a supporter of the campaign from its beginning, taking part in fundraising events and helping raise the profile of the charity.

The charity recently presented him with a certificate of appreciation for all his efforts.

Aaron added:

As a local lad I’m so passionate about supporting local causes and charities, and seeing how they help those in need.

“My time on The Apprentice has given me a platform to give something back and I’m thrilled to be supporting Our Bolton NHS Charity as they make such a big difference to so many.

Find out more about the charity and how you can donate on our website.