Call for donations to King's Lynn hospital's Bereavement Suite charity auction
Fundraisers at Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital are appealing for donations for their online charity auction to raise funds for the Maternity Bereavement Suite Appeal.
Former graphic designer Nikki Brown-Smith has already donated her oil painting of Hunstanton Lighthouse after she spent 300 hours creating her masterpiece during lockdown. She hopes to raise at least £300 for the appeal.
Calling for community support, organisers are urging residents, and even artists, to look through their attics and garages during lockdown and donate items such as artwork, coins, military or sporting memorabilia.
Helping to make the new facility as homely and comfortable as possible for the bereaved families who will stay there, all funds raised from the auction will go towards furnishings and essential extras.
The Bereavement Suite was the Lynn News' former charity of the year when the appeal first launched in early 2020 with the goal of building a dedicated facility for bereaved parents who lose their babies either during, or shortly after birth.
The space will enable parents to create precious memories with their baby, at their most difficult time, in a safe and welcoming space away from a clinical setting.
After huge support from the community and the Trust's own charity, work started on the new Bereavement Suite in November 2020, now fundraisers hope to make it a welcoming place for the families who will use it.
Fakenham-based auctioneers James and Sons have offered to host the auction later this year once all the lots are received. Director David James said: “We are delighted to support such a good charitable cause. We have helped a number of organisations over the last few years, we did one for the Royal British Legion for 800 uniforms and we will do our best to help here too.”
If you would like to donate items for the auction, please contact QEH fundraising executive Laurence Morlaàs on 01553 613373, or at Laurence.morlaas@qehkl.nhs.uk
You can also donate online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/QEHMaternityBereavementSuite or send cheques payable to ‘Maternity Bereavement Suite Appeal’ to Finance Department, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn PE30 4ET.
