CAMPAIGN NEWS & MEDIA | The Rosie Hospital Campaign

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will be officially opening the new Rosie Hospital on Thursday 23 May 2013.

Our wonderful community fundraisers raised £150,000 Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust's Rosie Hospital Campaign, which launched in 2011, raised over £3.5 million from trusts, foundations, companies, major donors and the local community, who raised £150,000, to help make our wonderful new Rosie possible.

We are so grateful to each and every donor and supporter of this very valuable campaign. The amazing support means that the Rosie can continue to offer the very best standard of women's, maternity and neonatal care for our growing local publication.

Susanne Owers, director of fundraising at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust said: “This visit will be a fantastic opportunity to thank the many individual fundraisers and donors, who together helped to make a wonderful environment for new babies, their parents and families.”

Sharing the excitement CUH Chair Jane Ramsey said: "We are all thrilled that Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will be coming to the Rosie. This is such a very special occasion for us not only because we will be officially opening our wonderful new Rosie Hospital but also because it marks 51 years since The Queen last visited Addenbrooke's.”

As you can imagine, security and protocol will be very tight so the event is strictly by invitation only.

Find out more about the Rosie expansion on the hospital's website.

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November 2012

Special Rosie edition of hospital magazine now available

A special Rosie edition of Matters Magazine, the quarterly magazine for Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals, is now available.

Featuring articles on the new birth centre, neonatal care, art in hospital and fundraising, the magazine provides an overview of our wonderful new Rosie Hospital.

Matters Magazine is available to pick up free from around the hospitals and Park & Ride sites, supermarkets, GP surgeries, community centres and libraries around Cambridge.

Or click here to view it online: http://www.cuh.org.uk/resources/pdf/cuh/profile/publications/matters/2012/matters_autumn_2012.pdf

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King’s Singers to star in magical Christmas concert for the Rosie

King’s College, from 5.30pm, Tuesday 18 December 2012

For an extra special evening in the run-up to Christmas, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is inviting guests to a prestigious concert featuring the highly acclaimed King’s Singers, followed by a gala dinner at King’s College on 18 December to help support The Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The Grammy award-winning ensemble is in constant demand for concerts, recordings and media appearances worldwide. Famed for their spot-on intonation, impeccable vocal blend and incisive timing, the King’s Singers are consummate entertainers: a class act with a delightfully British wit.

Entitled O Magnum Mysterium, the concert will include Palestrina, Poulenc and close harmony arrangements performed in the beautiful King’s College Chapel. Guests can enjoy a champagne reception before the concert then dine in style in the Great Hall, with further entertainment by the King’s Singers.

Some superb prizes will be up for auction, including a chance to drive like James Bond in an Aston Martin for a day. Michelin Star winning restaurant Alimentum is offering a fabulous meal for up to eight people in your home. Also on offer is a private tour of King’s College Chapel and an original painting by popular artist Quentin Blake.

This year ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, has been calling on the local community to back its Big Push to raise £150,000 towards modernisation and expansion of the Rosie and help to give local newborn babies the best possible start in life.

Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said: “Whether you are familiar with the King’s Singers or not, the Christmas concert and gala dinner at King’s College promises to be a truly memorable occasion. Guests will be treated to the very best seasonal music and fine dining, while helping to make a difference to maternity care in Cambridge for local families.”

Tickets are available from £150 to £195 per person, with proceeds from the event shared between the Rosie Hospital Campaign, Music at King’s and the King’s Singers Foundation.

To find out about bookings please call 01223 217757.

The King’s Singers event is one of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s ‘12 Ways of Christmas’ – a selection of 12 ways that people in the community can support Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals during the festive season. To find out more please go to www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/christmas.

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A Rosie Christmas is on the cards

With Christmas fast approaching, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) has produced a special festive greetings card to benefit the Rosie Hospital Campaign and is looking to local people to spread some seasonal cheer by getting involved in the final weeks of its Big Push for the Rosie.

Since February, ACT – the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals – has been asking the local community to back the Big Push to help it raise £150,000 towards modernisation and expansion of the Rosie. All cash raised will help fund vital extra equipment to help give local newborn babies the best possible start in life.

With the Big Push due to run until the end of the year, ACT is calling on local people to help out while having some festive fun – perhaps by fundraising at a Christmas fair, having a collection at a carol concert, selling mince pies at work or hosting a Christmas cake sale at school.

Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said: “Our eyes are firmly focused on hitting our Big Push fundraising target by the end of 2012. So many people have kindly rallied round this year and with just a few weeks to go we are urging everyone to push on and help out in the run up to Christmas. It’s a busy time, but every extra penny donated now will help make a difference to benefit new babies, their mums and families in our community. Whether you want to deck the halls for a special event or simply buy a pack of Rosie Christmas cards, it will all help to make a difference to local families for years to come.”

Rosie Christmas cards are available in packs of ten for £5.00 per pack from the ACT office on the Addenbrooke’s site across the road from A&E or from the Rosie Hospital reception. They can also be ordered online at www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/christmascards or by calling 01223 217757.

For anyone seeking additional inspiration about fundraising, there are lots of easy ways to get involved – for ideas and more details about the Rosie Hospital Campaign please call 01223 217757.

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Bridesmaids’ big night out raises £700 for the Big Push

Brides Sue Dougan (right) and Heather Noble

Several dozen fun-loving ladies who dressed up in their wedding finery for a girl’s night out have raised around £700 for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign – enough to buy a new infant respirator.

The ‘Wear Your Wedding Dress’ event was hosted at Saffron Screen in Saffron Walden on Friday 9^thNovember. Guests enjoyed fizz, nibbles and a raffle before settling in to watch a special screening of the popular film Bridesmaids.

Guests were invited to dress up in their wedding frock, bridesmaid dress or just accessorise with a veil and tiara for some light-hearted girly fun. Some of the dresses no longer fitted, were no longer in fashion, but in many ways, it all added to the slightly tongue-in-cheek sense of occasion. There were several bridesmaids, some mothers of the bride and one lady who dressed up as a vicar.

The event was organised by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Sue Dougan, whose son Tom required specialist treatment at the Rosie following his birth in 2011.

Commenting, Sue said: “We spend so much time, effort and money arranging the perfect wedding gown – we thought this was a fun way to legitimately wear it again. It was definitely a night to remember and a great way to raise money for a cause that touches so many. Many of the ‘brides’ who came along had became mothers whose babies were born at the Rosie and, in some cases, were treated in neonatal care there.”

The event was generously supported by local companies such as Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, the Sweet Shop Saffron Walden and Marshalls of Cambridge, as well as Saffron Screen, which has a growing reputation for themed movie nights.

Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said: “What a fantastic and original idea for a fundraising event. We’re extremely grateful to Sue, the team at Saffron Screen and all the ladies who dressed up to help raise funds for the Rosie Hospital. In the run up to Christmas, continuing community support for the Big Push will be warmly welcomed.”

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is running the Big Push until the end of 2012 to raise £150,000 from the local community towards the modernisation and expansion of the Rosie. All cash raised will help fund vital extra equipment to help give local newborn babies the best possible start in life.

For more details about how you can support The Rosie Hospital Campaign please call 01223 217757.

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October 2012

Running for the Rosie pays off for newly extended maternity hospital

Two local mums, who each ran a half marathon in September for the Big Push for the Rosie, have raised a combined total of more than £2200 – money that will be used to purchase added extras for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and other departments at the recently extended maternity hospital in Cambridge.

Mum of two, Kathryne Scully from Royston, ran the Bupa Great North Run on Sunday 16September to raise money for SCBU, where her youngest son Sam was treated when he was born in October 2011 with a rare genetic condition. Pounding the pavements from Newcastle to South Shields alongside 55,000 other runners, Kathryne completed the 13.1-mile course in two hours and 44 minutes – raising £1381.00 in the process.

Kathryne said: "I am really chuffed to have completed the run in under three hours. Whenever I tired I just remembered all the kind donations from my sponsors and that really spurred me on. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me or bought a Rosie wristband from me over the last few months. I never thought I’d raise as much money as I have. It’s an amazing amount that goes some way to thanking the hospital team for the care and kindness that Sam received when he was first born.”

Natalie Yates also travelled north during September to run the Blackpool Half Marathon for the Rosie. The race took place on Sunday 2 September with Natalie completing her first 13.1-mile run in two hours and 35 minutes and raising £835.

Commenting, Natalie said: “When I first decided to run a half marathon for the Rosie I set a fundraising target of £500. I’d have been happy if I’d raised half of that so to raise more than £800 is extraordinary. I’ve been involved with the Big Push for the Rosie since the start of the year and have heard so many heart wrenching stories in that time that it really made me want to do something to say thanks for the care I received when my daughter Jessica was born, without any complications, back in 2005. We are extremely lucky to have such a great maternity hospital on our doorstep.”

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “Huge thanks go to Kathryne and Natalie for the time they both invested in training for their half marathons. The hours of running they put in over the summer, in and around Royston and Cambridge, obviously paid off. We’d like to thank everyone that helped them smash their respective fundraising targets.”

If you feel inspired to run for the Rosie – but don't fancy travelling as far as Newcastle or Blackpool – why not take part in the Grantchester Fun Run for the Rosie at 10.30am on Sunday 21 October. There are 3k and 10k race options that pass through lovely Cambridgeshire countryside. For details go to: www.grantchestercricket.com

ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is managing the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign to raise an additional £150,000 from the local community this year. To find out more please call 01223 217757.

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Dame Mary Archer’s £284,000 gift to the next generation at glittering gala

Dame Mary with the Countess of St Andrews

On Saturday 13 October Dame Mary Archer and friends raised £284,000 to help improve care for the tiniest babies treated at the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge.

The money (which is counted separately from the Big Push campaign which raises money solely from the community) was raised at a black tie gala dinner to celebrate Dame Mary’s 20 years of service to Cambridge University Hospitals, as she steps down as its chairman.

The glittering event, held at St John’s College, Cambridge, was attended by 200 guests including close family members along with a host of Dame Mary’s colleagues and friends from the worlds of academia, politics, sport and entertainment. Guests enjoyed a delicious four-course lobster supper accompanied by an eclectic variety of musical entertainment.

After the meal, Lord Archer, in his inimitable style, hosted a lively auction where guests were invited to bid for 25 critical items of equipment needed to kit-out a single Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cot and associated life-support systems.

The brand new NICU at the Rosie will have capacity for 58 cots, offering world-class care to the most vulnerable babies. From specialist lights, tubing and pumps to an incubator and resuscitation unit, the total cost of each NICU cot space is £250,000.

Dame Mary said: “It was wonderful to share such a special occasion with good family and friends. Their tremendous generosity was quite overwhelming and thanks to their kindness, we will be able to buy and fully equip a highly sophisticated cot for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My first son was born 10 weeks prematurely and I believe passionately in doing whatever we can to ensure that the Rosie continues to offer the best possible start in life for these most vulnerable babies.”

ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, has been managing a major appeal to support the expansion and modernisation of Rosie Hospital. To find out how you cna support the campaign please call 01223 217757.

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Pantomime medics raise cheer for the Rosie – oh yes they did!

To mark the run-up to the pantomime season, a group of Cambridge University medical students with stars in their eyes have donated £2,164 to benefit the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital.

Each November trainee medics take to the stage for the annual Addenbrooke’s Pantomime to create irreverent medical mayhem while raising funds for charity. Their 2011 performance was a rip-roaring production of Harriet Hotter and the Phantom of the Operating Theatre with proceeds donated towards the Rosie Campaign.

The students presented the cheque to ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals, to coincide with the launch of the Addenbrooke’s Pantomime 2012, Ward of the Rings: The Clinical Fellowship. The production promises to mix adventure, romance, tragedy, comedy, music and dance with blood, mess and chaos in a thinly-veiled medical parody of the popular fantasy trilogy. It will take place at the Mumford Theatre from 20-24 November.

Fern Adams, producer of the Addenbrooke’s Pantomine 2011, said: “When Harriet Hotter took on the world of medical school, she had to fight the evil Mouldywart and his band of baddies, all to help raise funds for the Rosie. It was worth every boo and hiss to know that our antics on stage would help make a difference to the hospital where we are training.”

Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) – which is managing the Big Push, said: “We’re so grateful for the generous donation from the medical students. With our eyes firmly set on meeting our £150,000 community fundraising target by the end of 2012, every extra penny donated now will help make a difference to benefit tiny newborns and their families in the future.”

The Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign is being managed by ACT. To discuss how you can help, please call 01223 217757.

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PEM charity golf day raises £5,890 for the Rosie

With sweeping views across the city and beyond to Ely, 18 teams of golfing enthusiasts from leading Cambridge companies including TuckerGardner, Cheffins and Barclays, swung into action on the championship course. All teams donated £250 to participate and the day’s activities included an 18-hole Stableford Competition followed by High Tea and awards presentation.

Sanchia Norris, Tax Partner and Head of the Private Clients Team at PEM, said: “It is fantastic that such a fun day can help such a worthy cause. With everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity, the total raised has exceeded our expectations.”

The Rosie, now 30 years old, has undergone a new three-storey extension and modernisation programme that has almost doubled the size of the previous maternity unit – providing pregnant women, their families and new babies with the very best standard of care.

The new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Rosie will have capacity for 58 cots, with each one costing £250,000 to equip. So even though the extension is complete there are still funds that need to be raised to enable the hospital to make a difference for as many babies and their families as possible.

The Rosie Hospital Campaign is run by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said: “An enormous thank you to everyone that took part in the PEM Golf Day at the Gogs. Five thousand pounds is a wonderful sum to raise at a single event – proving that golf can be far more than a good walk ruined! Thanks also to the team at PEM who have chosen the Rosie as their charity of the year. Their decision to back the Big Push will hopefully inspire other Cambridge companies to do the same. Fundraising for the Rosie hospital is a fantastic way for the local business community to make a lasting investment in the future of the city.”

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Runners turn out in force to race for the Rosie

Two hundred people have taken part in the Grantchester Fun Run to help raise funds for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign and Grantchester Cricket Club.

Experienced runners and novices alike were invited to tackle either a 10k scenic route or a shorter 3k run around Grantchester Meadows. The race, which took place on Sunday 21 October, was officially started by Dame Mary Archer who then joined runners to complete the 3k course.

The 10k cross-country route was devised by Francis Burkitt to raise the profile of the Quarter To Six Quadrant (QTSQ) – the rural area immediately south-west of Cambridge that includes Barton, Coton, Grantchester and Madingley parishes. Runners received a commemorative t-shirt before the race plus a free bacon buttie and well-earned refreshments afterwards.

Justin Fairhall, who helped organise the event, said: “What an amazing turn out for the second Grantchester Fun Run – a huge thank you to everyone that took part and to our sponsors 3663. We’re very proud to be supporting the modernisation of the Rosie.”

Michelle Gray, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: “We were delighted that so many runners did their part to back the Big Push and we’re very grateful to Grantchester Cricket Club. As part of our bid to raise £150,000 from the community by the end of 2012, every extra penny raised will help make a difference to benefit tiny newborns and their families.”

Sponsors can still log on to support the runners at: www.justgiving.com/GrantchesterFunRun or to find out more, go to www.grantchestercricket.com.

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September 2012

Sabrina’s Zumba party for the Rosie raises over £1,000

On Saturday 1 September almost 50 ladies – plus a couple of men and several children – danced their way through a marathon 90-minute Zumba workout at Sawston Sports Centre to raise over £1000 that will benefit the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

Sabrina Melvin from Duxford organised the charity event based on the hot Zumba dance craze to thank staff for the care her daughter Ella received in June in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Rosie after she was born two weeks early. Sabrina also organised a raffle at the event and Big Push campaign mascot Rosie Rabbit made a special appearance.

Sabrina was delighted by the support that she and Ella received when her planned caesarean section was brought forward. To show her appreciation, she enlisted qualified Zumba fitness instructor Katie Drew, also from Duxford, to lead the workout.

Afterwards Sabrina said: “We had an amazing day and really enjoyed raising the money. I’m tired but very happy – Katie got the crowd pumped up into a fantastic party mood. I’m so grateful to everyone that got involved by dancing and buying raffle tickets plus all the local businesses that kindly supported us.”

Sabrina added: “I was really pleased too that my mum Amanda Johnston was there both to offer moral support and to present a batch of cosy hand-knitted hats, gloves and blankets for the tiny babies in the Special Care Baby Unit. She and her colleagues at the Ministry of Defence Police have been knitting non-stop since June!”

“Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: “A very big thanks to everyone who got involved. It’s wonderful to see new mums like Sabrina setting up events like this that are such good fun. Everyone who took part can take pride in knowing that they will be helping to make a difference to local families for many years to come.”

The Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign to raise an additional £150,000 from the local community is being managed by ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. To find out more about how you can help please call 01223 217757.

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ACT asks schools to back Big Push for the Rosie for new term

With thousands of local children and students back in the classroom this month, the charity behind the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign is calling on local schools to help reach its 150,000 community fundraising total by the end of the year.

ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is inviting local schools, nurseries and colleges to each try to raise what they can this term and in the run-up to Christmas to help towards all kinds of extras from specialist equipment for verysick babies to cosy blankets, comfy furnishings for waiting areas and extrafacilities for the birth centre.

The current expansion and modernisation of the Rosie will give more babies born locally the best possible start in life. With over 100,000 infants delivered at the Rosie since it opened in 1983, ACT hopes that youngsters will be keen to support the hospital where they were born.

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “Supporting the Rosie is the perfect way for children and young people to learn how much fun fundraising can be. A number of local schools have already made a fantastic contribution by hosting non-uniform days, talent shows, raffles and a wide variety of activities – we hope they will inspire others to get involved. Every extra penny of community funds that each school can raise towards our year-end total will really help make a difference to tiny newborns and their families.”

Easy ways for schools, nurseries and colleges to back the Big Push include:

Hold a collection at your Christmas performance orcarol concert
Hold a non-school uniform day and / or come to school in fancy dress
Have a cake sale in the staff room or the playground
Host a table-top sale of unwanted CDs, DVDs and books
Stage a Big Push for the Rosie talent show
Keep fit with a sponsored walk, skip or run for the Rosie
Sell Rosie wristbands and/or Rosie toy rabbits.

So far this year children, students and staff at Anglia Ruskin University; Bewick Bridge Primary School; Chesterton Community College; Grasshoppers Day Nursery; Histon & Impington Infants School; Hurworth House School; Linton Village College; Mepal and Witcham CE Primary School; the Perse Pelican School; the Perse Preparatory School; the Perse School; Ridgefield Primary School; and St Bedes Inter Church School have all been fundraising for the Rosie.

Mark Patterson, Head at Chesterton Community College said: “Our students suggested holding a fancy dress non-uniform day and fundraising event for the Rosie, where many of them were born. Activities included cake sales, baby-related guessing games, a teacher murder mystery stall and much more – the whole event was a lot of fun. We take great pride in encouraging a strong community ethos and were very happy to support such a worthwhile local cause.”

To find out more about the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign, request wristbands, download a fundraising pack or discuss what you would like to do to help, please call Michelle Gray on 01223 217757.

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Golfers get in the swing to raise £17,000 for the Rosie

A charity golf day and gala dinner held to celebrate the life of a young boy who was treated at Addenbrooke’s has raised over £17,000 for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

In 2005, seven-year-old Kieran Mallett tragically died just days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. In 2010 close family friends Jon and Kath Moss organised the first annual Kieran Mallett Memorial Golf Day to celebrate Kieran’s memory and support the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where he had been treated.

For the 2012 event, Kieran’s parents Adrian and Valerie Mallett decided to donate the proceeds to the Rosie. They explained: “We are thrilled to be able to support the Rosie Hospital – it brings us a great deal of comfort to know that Kieran didn’t die in vain. It’s lovely to think that somehow Kieran will be helping to bring new life into the world and giving babies and their families the extra care they need. The new facilities at the Rosie are fabulous and we are so happy to be playing a part.”

Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: “We simply can’t thank Kieran’s family and their friends enough for their overwhelming generosity. There is nothing more difficult than losing a child, which is why we feel so honoured that Kieran’s family and friends have chosen to support the Rosie Hospital in this way. Their kindness will make a difference to thousands of families across the region cared for at the Rosie for years ahead.”

The golf day was held in June at the Crowne Plaza Colchester Five Lakes Golf Course and was followed by a gala dinner and auction. The presentation of a cheque to ACT for £17,038 took place at the Five Lakes venue on 11 September.

ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is managing the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign to raise an additional £150,000 from the local community. To find out more about how you can help please call 01223 217757.

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August 2012

A big thank you for epic community effort as Big Push for the Rosie hits £96,000

Fundraising for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign has topped £96,000, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of local people who have donated, bought Rosie wristbands, run races, held events, baked cakes and much more to help give babies born in Cambridge the best possible start in life.

ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, has been calling on anyone with a connection to the Rosie since it opened in 1983 to back its campaign to raise £150,000 from the community. With key parts of the expanded and modernised Rosie opening this September, the cash raised will help fund all kinds of vital extra equipment to benefit new babies, women and their families.

Anna Shasha, Head of Midwifery at the Rosie (pictured left), said: “It is a massive morale boost for all the midwives, doctors, nurses and ancillary staff here to know that there is such overwhelming local support. As one of the region's busiest maternity hospitals, our facilities have been under huge pressure in recent years. That’s why every penny raised this year will help make a difference to ensure we can offer the best possible care to more women, newborns and their families.”

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “Passing the halfway mark and reaching £96,000 is a tremendous achievement. We are extremely grateful to everyone that has been so incredibly generous. Local people have really rallied round – and, because the Rosie is also a regional centre for specialist neonatal care, we’ve had support from far across the East of England. And there is still plenty of time to get involved – we very much hope that our amazing community will help keep on pushing to hit our target by the end of the year.”

The Rosie would like to thank all the donors, fundraisers, community groups and organisations that have helped so far, including:

Everyone who donated to Rosie Rabbit at Scotsdales, Rosie in the Park, Strawberry Fair, Arbury Carnival and many other street collections
Rachel Claxton in Peterborough who has held raffles, online auctions and dyed her hair pink for the whole of July
Tony Dorling in Thetford who held a charity band night and football tournament
Sue Dougan, Sam Crawley, Andy Kulina and Jackie Lince who ran the London Marathon
Darren Rivers who took part in the Dubai Triathlon
The Sam’s Walk team for their 23 mile trek from the Rosie to Hinchingbrooke
Romsey Mill Young Parents who organised a buggy push to the Rosie
De Freville Avenue residents who donated funds from their Jubilee Street Party
Charlie McLaughlin who organised the Shelford Olympics family fun day
Jon Moss in Clacton-on-Sea who held a golf day.

Rosie wristband stockists including A1 Trophies; the Cambridge News; the Castle and Cambridge Blue pubs; Caffe Nero in Cambridge; Chesterton Road Spar; Chippy’s in Haverhill; Daisy Chain gifts in Histon; Gymophobics; Heffers Booksellers; John Lewis staff shop; Kwik-Fit in Cherry Hinton; The White Swan, Quy; The White Horse in Ridgewell, Essex; The Grapes public house; Spirit Health Club at the Holiday Inn Impington; and Beckwith Dentists in Saffron Walden.

Businesses such as Ridgeons and Bright Publishing, which are among the caring companies that have chosen the Rosie as their charity of the year.

Children, students and staff at the Perse School; Histon & Impington Infants School; Ridgefield Primary School; Chesterton Community College; Anglia Ruskin University; Mepal and Witcham CE Primary School; Grasshoppers Day Nursery; Bewick Bridge Primary School; St Bedes Inter Church School; Linton Village College; Hurworth House School; The Perse Pelican School; and the Perse Preparatory School; who have all been busy with non-uniform days, cake sales and all kinds of fun-filled ways to raise funds.

Plus Bassingbourn Parish Church; Evergreen Florists; the Gog Magog Farm Shop; Farrans Construction Ltd; and Yorkshire Building Society.

Fundraising for the Big Push will continue throughout 2012 and there are lots of easy ways for anyone and any organisation to get involved – for more details please call 01223 217757.

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Sporty mums go the extra mile to raise money for Rosie

September is shaping up to be a sporty month in the Big Push for theRosie Campaign with a host of local women stepping up the pace to help raise money to support the modernisation and expansion of the Rosie Hospital.

Sabrina Melvin from Duxford is organising a charity ZUMBA session tothank staff for the special care her daughter received when she was born two weeks early in June. Ella is now thriving but an early arrival meant her delivery weight was low and she had to spend four days on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

Having worked at the Rosie, Sabrina knew that both she and Ella would be treated really well. But she was still delighted by the support she received when her planned caesarean section was brought forward a fortnight. To show her gratitude to Rosie staff, Sabrina has enlisted the help of qualified ZUMBA fitness instructor Katie Drew – also from Duxford – who will lead a 1.5-hour fundraising ZUMBA session at Sawston Sports Centre starting at 2pm on Saturday 1 September. The event is open to everyone who wants to help the Rosie or give ZUMBA a go for the first time.

Commenting, Sabrina said: “ZUMBA is a really popular fitness activity that became part of my life just before I got pregnant. Following Ella’s birth I am ready to start exercising again so I thought this would be an excellent way to get going and get likeminded ZUMBA enthusiasts and local mums together. We’ll be doing something positive for the Rosie while burning off a few calories – a definite win-win situation.”

Elsewhere, three local mums are pounding the pavements in preparation for half marathons. On Sunday 2 September, Helen Ekholm Piper from Comberton and Natalie Yates from Impington will go to Blackpool to run their first half-marathon. The ex-colleagues, both keen joggers, decided to run after a discussion at their daughters’ ballet class.

Helen had just had her third child, Max, at the Rosie so was feeling inspired to do something to thank the team that delivered him by caesarean section. While Natalie – who helps ACT raise awareness of the Big Push – was keen to mark the 7^th birthday of her daughter Jessica – another Rosie born baby who arrived in August 2005.

On Sunday 16 September Royston-based Kathryne Scully will head to Tyneside for the Great North Run. Kathryne’s son Sam was born at the Rosie in November 2011 with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a serious genetic condition affecting his digestive system. Sam’s condition was diagnosed when he couldn’t keep any milk down after birth. After spending ten days on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Sam was allowed to go home but has had to return to the hospital regularly to alleviate his symptoms and undergo an operation.

Kathryne said: “Staff at the Rosie are amazing, caring people who make a real difference to the lives of local families. The early stages of motherhood sometimes feelslike a marathon, so it seemed apt to undertake a big physical challenge on behalf of the team. I ran the London Marathon in 2000 and always vowed I’d do the Great North Run. So here I am – older, unfitter but even more determined to cross that line to raise money for the Rosie and other babies like Sam who are born with complicated conditions and need urgent specialist care”.

Tickets for Sabrina’s ZUMBA for the Rosie cost 10 in advance or 12 on the door. Sabrina has also organised a raffle for the day and a gifts and jewellery stall. Tickets are available at Katie Drew’s ZUMBA classes in Cherry Hinton and Whittlesford, by contacting Sabrina directly on 07835 904492 / sabzy49@hotmail.com or Katie on 0783325164 / katie@drewzone.co.uk.

To sponsor Helen, Natalie or Kathryne go to:

http://www.justgiving.com/Helen-Piper0

http://www.justgiving.com/Natalie-Yates-Running-for-the-Rosie

http://www.justgiving.com/Kathryne-Scully

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Lessons in fundraising boost Big Push for the Rosie

The Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign has been given a boost by young people at very different stages in their education, with recent cheque handovers by students from Anglia Ruskin University and pupils from Ridgefield Primary School in Cambridge.

Six budding entrepreneurs from Anglia Ruskin University chose the Rosie to benefit from a family fun day that they organised as part of their BA in Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management. ‘Rosie in the Park’ attracted hundreds of people in April who enjoyed live entertainment, rides, market stalls and much more. Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason of Anglia Ruskin University was joined by student Mark Reyner to present a cheque for £1,900 to ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals.

Also on hand were four pupils from Ridgefield Primary School on Radegund Road who presented a cheque for £420 from their Big Push fundraising day. The non-uniform day event included a bumper cake sale, raffle and special appearance by campaign mascot Rosie Rabbit. The team also sold Rosie wristbands and raffled a stunning pink Rosie cake. It was organised by local mum and PTA representative Clare Williams, who said: “Many of the 230 children that attend Ridgefield were born at the Rosie and it was a great tribute tor their enthusiasm that we raised £420 for such a great local cause.”

Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: “It's so inspiring to see young people at our local schools and colleges organising events that will benefit more mums, babies and their families in our community. We greatly appreciate the generous support we’ve had from the Friends of Ridgefield and Anglia Ruskin University. Hopefully their fantastic examples will inspire other local colleges, schools, nurseries and community groups to get involved in whatever way they can.”

ACT is managing the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign throughout 2012 to raise an additional £150,000 from the local community to support the major expansion and modernisation of the Rosie Hospital. To find out more about the Rosie Campaign please call Trudy Harper on 01223 217757.

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Twins inspire Olympic-themed fun day for the Rosie

On Saturday 4th August, Shelford Rugby Club was transformed into a mini-Olympic arena for a family fun day and evening party inspired by the London 2012 Games that raised over £500 to benefit the Rosie Hospital.

Charlotte McLaughlin organised the event to celebrate the second birthday of her twin boys who were born nine weeks early at the Rosie. Three other sets of twins also born prematurely at the Rosie in the same week were celebrating their birthdays at the event as well.

The programme included athletic events for children and adults alike plus volleyball, tug o’war and a relay race, with podium presentations to medal winners in all age groups. Other attractions included a beer festival, bouncy castle, baby and toddler play area, cake stall, BBQ and ice cream van followed by live music, a hog roast, raffle and charity auction in the evening.

Charlotte said: “To see our beautiful twin boys running around you wouldn't think they were born so early weighing only 3lb 12oz and 4lb 2oz. It is because of the care and support at the Rosie that the boys are happy and healthy today. We wanted to raise money so that more people can experience the fantastic care that we did. It is also a really big thank you for keeping our little boys safe. Spending time in the Rosie makes you realise how lucky we are here to have such amazing facilities.”

Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: “We are extremely grateful to people like Charlotte McLaughlin, who are going the extra mile to raise money for the Big Push for the Rosie. The hospital means so much to so many people and it’s wonderful to see this passion coming across in a variety of different fundraising events. The timing of Charlotte's Olympic event was inspired. We wish her boys a very happy 2nd birthday and would like to thank everyone that attended Cambridge’s very own Super Saturday for the Rosie.”

Charlotte McLaughlin’s story

Two years ago the Rosie Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was inundated with four sets of twins... now those families are giving back to the place that helped give their little ones the best start in life, as event organiser Charlotte McLaughlin explained:

“Our twin boys Finlay and Lewis were born at the Rosie on 7th August 2010. I went into labour unexpectedly and the boys were born nine weeks premature. At first they were on a ventilator and then assisted breathing. We didn’t get the chance to hold or cuddle them until they were a few days old and even then Lewis had to be under the UV lights with sunglasses on so we couldn’t see his face.

“My husband Gary and I went home the day after the twins were born, leaving our boys in the capable hands of the NICU staff. The nurses and doctors were brilliant. Looking back, leaving them seems awful. Our boys just needed time to grow. The nurses made everything seem so normal and I remember feeling so lucky. There were many other parents with children who had serious conditions, but ours were going to be fine over time.

“During this period at least four sets of twins who were born within a week of each other were treated in the Rosie’s NICU or Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Despite the pressure on the staff, they were always an incredible support.

“We have continued to meet up with the other twins’ families on a regular basis. In the early days it was comforting to talk to other parents who had gone through a similar experience and compare notes. Now we can let our little twins run wild while we have a coffee and a chat. With all eight children at the Shelford mini-Olympics, we thought it was fitting to also make it a joint second birthday in aid of The Rosie.”

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July 2012

Upcoming Shelford Olympic-themed event to raise funds for the Rosie Hospital Campaign

An Olympic-themed event followed by a party in the evening, will take place at Shelford Rugby Club in Great Shelford on Saturday 4th August.

The daytime events will start at 2pm and finish at 6pm, these will include Olympic-style events for children as well as adults, with podium presentations to medal winners in all age groups, prizes for all entrants, food stalls, beer festival and big screen highlights from the Olympics.

The evening programme starts at 7pm and includes a live band, hog roast, a raffle/auction and beer festival. The entry for the daytime events is a donation which will go to the Rosie Campaign and the tickets for the evening are £15.00. Please call Charlie McLaughlin on 07764 336911 for tickets or more information.

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The Perse Prep presents the Rosie Hospital Campaign with £7,000

Head at The Perse Prep School Gareth Jones presented Trudy Harper Community Fundraising Manager at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) with a cheque for £7,000 for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, following months of fundraising activity by the School’s pupils and parents.

The Perse has a long-standing relationship with the Rosie, having launched numerous competitions and activities to raise funds for the local maternity hospital in the past. The fundraising, which started in September 2011, involved children taking collection boxes home as well as fundraising at school concerts and plays organised by The Perse Prep Parent’s Association, raising a grand total of £7,000. The cheque presentation took place as part of the School’s Speech day, held to mark the end of term.

Gareth Jones, head at The Perse Prep School said: “We are keen supporters of The Rosie – as well as many of our pupils being born there we have a significant number of parents working at the Rosie and Addenbrooke’s and are keen to help them hit their fundraising target. Once again our pupils and parents have raised a fantastic amount of money and we are very proud of their continued efforts to help raise funds for charities on a local and national level.”

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “To say that we are grateful is an understatement – we really are deeply appreciative of all the efforts that staff, children and parents at The Perse have put into fundraising for the Rosie Hospital over the last year. A £7,000 cheque is an enormous boost to our Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign and means so much when we know the money has been raised by children that were Rosie-born themselves. It’s a fantastic achievement by all involved and one that will hopefully inspire other local schools to think about backing the Big Push as they look ahead to the next school year.”

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First-class Chesterton students raise £850 in a day for the Rosie

Students and staff at Chesterton Community College in Cambridge have raised £850 during a day of fundraising for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The 26 June event, which was organised by Chesterton’s Student Voice representatives, was a non-uniform day when students, teachers and staff were invited to come to school in baby-themed costumes with prizes for the best outfits. Fundraising activities included cake sales, baby-related guessing games, a teacher murder mystery stall and much more. Rosie Rabbit, the six-foot campaign mascot, also put in a special appearance.

Mark Patterson, Head at Chesterton Community College said: “When our Student Voice representatives suggested holding a fundraising event for the Rosie Hospital, where many of them were born, we had no hesitation in giving it the thumbs up. We have over 900 students here, many of them Rosie babies. Encouraged by Student Voice coordinator Siobhan Murphy, each form ran its own fundraising activity and students came up with some fantastic ideas. At Chesterton we take great pride in encouraging a strong community ethos among our students and are very happy to support such a worthwhile cause. The whole event was a lot of fun!”

Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, said: "We are so grateful to Chesterton Community College. It's especially inspiring that a whole generation of students born at the Rosie are so enthusiastic about doing something fun to benefit future Rosie babies. Events like this really make a difference. And hopefully, Chesterton’s initiative will encourage other schools, nurseries and community groups to get involved."

The Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign is aiming to raise £150,000 this year from the community to support expansion and modernisation of the Rosie. For more information about how your school can support the campaign call Trudy on 01223 217757.

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June 2012

Look out for a special delivery this week

Keep your eyes open across the Cambridge area this week for the bright pink envelopes being sent to almost 100,000 homes with a letter inviting people to support the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

Anna Shasha, Head of Midwifery at the Rosie Hospital has written to local people asking them to show their appreciation for friends and loved ones born at the city’s maternity hospital.

Commenting, Anna Shasha said: “As one of the region's busiest maternity hospitals, our facilities are under huge pressure, so we're getting ready for some big changes to expand and modernise the hospital. That’s why ACT – the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke's and the Rosie Hospitals – is seeking an additional £150,000 from our local community.

“With the support of kind-hearted local people, we can create a superb 21^st-century hospital that can look after a lot more patients; offer faster antenatal care; give women much more choice about their birth; enable more parents with the most poorly babies to stay close to them overnight; and ensure the most advanced equipment is at hand in case of emergency.”

“By writing to people, we are sending a gentle reminder about just how easy it is for anyone to support their local maternity hospital simply by donating online or popping a payment in the post. Every extra penny we can raise now will be used to help fit out the new building with additional equipment to keep the Rosie special, save lives and improve patient care. Whatever people can give will be so very greatly appreciated.”

The Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign is aiming to raise £150,000 this year from the community to support expansion and modernisation of the Rosie. For more information call 01223 217757.

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Community digs deep to boost Big Push for the Rosie to £30,000

Within three months of its launch the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign has hit the £30,000 mark, thanks entirely to the generosity of local people who have been raising funds to give babies born in Cambridge the best possible start in life.

With construction of the expanded and modernised Rosie Hospital due for completion this summer, hundreds of local people have been getting involved to raise funds to help buy extra equipment that will benefit new babies, women and their families.

Over 100,000 infants have been delivered at the Rosie since it opened in 1983. So ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, has been calling on parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and children of all ages to help meet the Big Push target of £150,000.

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “Hitting the £30,000 mark is a wonderful achievement. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has been so generous with their time and money for the Rosie so far. It has been a real grass roots community effort with lots of people from all walks of life helping in all sorts of ways. People have bought Rosie wristbands, walked, swum, run, staged concerts, organised raffles, baked cakes and so much more. We’d like to say an enormous thank you to all the individuals, schools, businesses, shops, pubs, clubs and community organisations that have donated and helped in so many ways.”

“The funds that we are raising from the community this year will be a vital addition to those that ACT is seeking from major donors towards the Rosie expansion. Reaching our first significant Big Push milestone is a great boost that will hopefully encourage many additional individuals and organisations to get involved by hosting fundraising events, taking part in sponsored activities and buying Rosie wristbands. Our campaign mascot Rosie Rabbit will be out and about in the city during the summer and we have just received a big new batch of wristbands, so now is the perfect time to get involved.”

Anna Shasha, Head of Midwifery at the Rosie, said: “It means so much to our hard-working team here at the Rosie to know that there is so much local support. Now that the major construction work is almost complete, we’re getting set to start fitting out the new premises with equipment. This is where every penny of community funds will really make a difference to help transform the empty building into a superb 21^st century hospital where more women, newborns and their families will be able to benefit from the very best maternity and neonatal care.”

To find out more about the Rosie Campaign, to request a box of wristbands or to discuss what you can do to help, please call Trudy Harper on 01223 217757.

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Parents on Buggy Push for the Big Push!

The Romsey Mill Young Parents Programme Forum organised a sponsored Buggy Push to raise money for the Rosie Campaign. Walking from the centre of Cambridge to Addenbrooke's on Tuesday 19th June, with a nappy and bottle stop at Romsey Mill. Luckily the sun was shining and the walkers raised over £300.00, which is fantastic! Thank you so much for your support!

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Rosie Rabbit gets into the party mood at summer celebrations

Undaunted by the rain, Rosie Rabbit the giant white mascot for the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, has had a busy start to the summer season with appearances at Strawberry Fair, a Jubilee street party and Arbury Carnival.

First, she dusted off her flowery wellies for her very first festival on 2^nd June, when she bounded along to Strawberry Fair – the city’s popular free music and arts event on Midsummer Common in Cambridge.

She was joined by volunteers from ACT (the charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals) who invited members of the public to support the Big Push for the Rosie by making a donation or buying a stylish pink Rosie wristband – this year’s must-have summer accessory. Rosie also put on a fetching pink tutu and pair of white fairy wings to join the world’s biggest gathering of people dressed as fairies anywhere in the world.

Two days later on 4^th June Rosie got swept up in the Jubilee celebrations and put in an impromptu appearance at the De Freville Avenue red, white and blue Jubilee lunch. There the organisers raised £215 for the Rosie by auctioning off a selection of tasty treats from the cake competition.

And, inspired by the royal mood, Rosie donned her own pink crown and sash to join the 5,000 revellers that turned out for the 35^th Arbury Carnival on 9^th June. As part of a Kings and Queens-themed event, she was particularly excited to find herself alongside Elvis in the Carnival procession.

Trudy Harper, ACT Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Like Strawberry Fair, Arbury Carnival and royal street parties, the Rosie Hospital is a Cambridge institution that has been on the local scene for many years. Our popular mascot has loved meeting so many lovely people during her first summer outings. We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone that we met. Rosie is now having a well-deserved rest until her next engagements later this month!”

The Big Push for the Rosie Campaign is aiming to raise £150,000 this year from the community to support expansion and modernisation of the Rosie Hospital. For more information call 01223 217757.

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May 2012

Ridgefield pupils score top marks for the Rosie

On Friday 4 May, staff, pupils and PTA members at Ridgefield Primary School on Radegund Road in Cambridge raised more than £425 at a fundraising day to back the Big Push for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The event – which was also a non-uniform day for pupils – included a bumper cake sale, a raffle and a special appearance by campaign mascot Rosie Rabbit to surprise the children. The team also raised extra funds by selling Rosie wristbands and raffling a stunning, professionally made pink Rosie cake.

The event was organised by local mum and PTA representative Clare Williams, who said: “As soon as I heard about the Big Push, I knew that I wanted to do something to support the local maternity hospital. With three children of my own – all Rosie babies – I think it’s a great cause. A large proportion of the 230 children that attend Ridgefield were born at the Rosie and everyone was so enthusiastic, generously baking cakes and helping to make the event a really fun way to round off the school week.”

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, the charity for Addenbrooke’s and Rosie Hospital, said: "We are so appreciative of the work that Clare and the PTA volunteers put in to host such a successful fundraising event at Ridgefield Primary School.”

“It's so inspiring to see people with a real connection to the hospital organising events that will benefit more mums, babies and their families in our community. Events like this really make a difference and are what the Big Push is all about. We hope that the fantastic example set by the Friends of Ridgefield will inspire other local schools, nurseries, play centres and community groups to get involved and show their support in whatever way they can.”

To find out more about the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign, request wristbands, download a fundraising pack or discuss how you can get involved, please call Trudy Harper on 01223 217757.

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April 2012

Get set for the Rosie in the Park family fun day in Cambridge this Saturday

This Saturday 21 April 2012, from 12 noon until 6pm, everyone is invited to Parker’s Piece for ‘Rosie in the Park’ – a fun day out for families, children and local people.

And it’s all to benefit the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign, which is aiming to raise £150,000 this year from the community to support expansion and modernisation of the Rosie Hospital.

Attractions will include live entertainment, children’s activities and games, donkey rides, a giant bouncy slide and bouncy castles, flamenco dancing, face-painting and market stalls. The Ark Farm petting zoo with its Shetland pony, sheep and range of farmyard favourites – including chicks and baby animals – is sure to be a hit with children and adults of all ages.

The raffle has over 40 good quality prizes up for grabs including: a week’s family accommodation in a French cottage with pool; gym memberships from LA Fitness; a Cambridge Satchel Company leather satchel; a signed hat worn by Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel; plus meals, vouchers, jewellery, golf and much more. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event and are available online at: www.rosieinthepark.com

Among the food stalls will be a hog roast plus Nando’s famous flame-grilled chicken. The Rosie Campaign mascot – a six-foot larger-than-life white rabbit – will mingle with the crowd throughout the day and visitors will have a chance to buy Rosie Campaign wristbands and cuddly Rosie Rabbit soft toys.

Jonathan Marriott – one of six students organising the event as part of their BA in Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management at Anglia Ruskin University – said: “We are very proud to be supporting the Rosie and would like to thank ACT for all the help they have given to us. For everyone who has had a baby at the Rosie or knows someone who as, please come along and help us to support the Rosie Hospital!"

To find out more about Rosie in the Park go to: www.rosieinthepark.com.

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Giant white rabbit and fluffy baby bunnies join Big Push for the Rosie this Easter

This Easter the ACT fundraising team will be running bucket collections as part of their Big Push for the Rosie Hospital – the £150,000 community fundraising drive to support the modernisation and expansion of Cambridge’s maternity hospital.

The collections will take place at Scotsdales Garden Centre in Great Shelford on Good Friday 6^th April (11am to 2pm) and Easter Monday 9^th April (1pm to 4pm), organized by ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals.

The collections will coincide with the Easter bank holiday weekend, which is traditionally a busy time in the garden. Rosie Rabbit, the six-foot mascot for the Rosie Hospital Campaign, will put in a special appearance on both days. The team will be offering Rosie wristbands, Rosie car stickers and cuddly Rosie Rabbit soft toys for sale.

Commenting, Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “We’re delighted that Scotsdales have kindly invited us to join them – we couldn’t have let Easter weekend pass without bringing our campaign mascot Rosie Rabbit out to play. Whatever the weather, it’s sure to be a busy weekend for gardeners.”

“We hope that as many people as possible will pop along to say hello, to buy a Rosie wristband or pick up one of the lovely new Big Push car stickers. We’ll also be promoting our limited edition fluffy Rosie Rabbit soft toys – they make an ideal alternative Easter gift for any child who was born at the Rosie or for anyone with a baby on the way!”

Construction to double the size of the Rosie is due for completion this summer and the extra funds raised by the community will help to provide additional equipment that will benefit newborn babies and their families.

To find out more about the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign, request wristbands, car stickers, posters, download a fundraising pack or discuss what you would like to do to help, please call Trudy Harper on 01223 217757.

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Get set for Rosie in the Park family fun day on 21 April

12 noon to 6pm, Saturday 21^st April, Parker’s Piece, Cambridge

On 21st April 2012, from 12 noon until late afternoon, everyone is invited to come along to ‘Rosie in the Park’ – a fun day out for families, children and local people of all ages.

Activities will include entertainment, slides, rides, market stalls, food and drink plus a prize-packed raffle with a chance to win a week’s summer holiday accommodation in France and much more.

And it’s all for a very worthwhile cause. Profits from the event will benefit the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign that is aiming to raise £150,000 this year from the community to support the modernisation and expansion of the Rosie Hospital.

Construction to double the size of the Rosie – already recognised as one of the finest maternity hospitals in the country – is due for completion this summer. It will provide much-needed extra space and new facilities for the growing local population. The extra funds raised by the community will help to provide additional equipment and furnishings for the new hospital.

To support the fundraising, six students studying for a BA in Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management at Anglia Ruskin University are organising the event as a key part of their final year programme.

Student Jonathan Marriott said: “The Rosie Campaign is the ideal cause to benefit from a community charity event that will be a lot of fun for local children and their families and friends. Local retailers, the City Council and the community have been so generous with their support. All the profits we raise will make a difference to help give babies born at the Rosie the best possible start in life. We hope as many people as possible will come along to enjoy a very special day out.”

The day will include something for everyone. Attractions will include music, games, an inflatable obstacle course, a range of attractions for children, a large bouncy slide and face-painting, plus arts and crafts activities. Among the food stalls will be a hog roast and popular restaurant Nando’s will be serving its famous flame-grilled chicken.

The Rosie Campaign mascot – a six-foot larger than life white rabbit – will mingle with the crowd throughout the day, plus visitors will have a chance to buy Rosie Campaign wristbands and cuddly Rosie Rabbits.

Raffle prizes include: a week’s accommodation for a family in a French cottage; a six-month gym membership from LA Fitness; plus meals, vouchers, jewellery, golf and plenty of other goodies. Raffle tickets will be on sale on the day and are also available online to buy now at: www.rosieinthepark.com

To find out more about Rosie in the Park, contact Jonathan Marriott, Anglia Ruskin University, tel: 07500 971275 or email enquiries@rosieinthepark.com

Website: www.rosieinthepark.com and keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

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March 2012

Rosie in the Park spring fair – fun for all the family!

Saturday 21 April 2012

Parker's Piece, Cambridge

A day out for all the family in aid of our Rosie Hospital Campaign.

A team of students from Anglia Ruskin University are organising the event to support our Campaign.

Find out more: www.rosieinthepark.com

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Top marks as first schools back Big Push for the Rosie

Following its recent launch, the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign is creating a buzz in local playgrounds, with several schools quick off the mark to pledge their support for the £150,000 fundraising drive.

Construction to double the size of the Rosie Hospital – recognised as one of the finest maternity hospitals in the country – is due for completion later this year. So ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals, has invited the whole community, including schools, to raise extra funds that will help to give babies born in Cambridge the best possible start in life.

With over 100,000 infants delivered at the Rosie since it opened in 1983, ACT is calling on children and young people at local schools, nurseries and colleges to get involved to support the hospital where they were born.

Leading the way, the Perse Prep School pioneered the sale of Rosie Campaign wristbands as part of a non-school uniform day. Gareth Jones, Head of the Perse Prep School, said: “As a local resident, I am very grateful that we have such excellent hospitals in Cambridge. Many of our parents work at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, and given that a large proportion of our pupils are Rosie babies, we feel indebted on so many levels. It feels appropriate to support an institution that continues to be at the forefront of medical progress and to play our part in helping it to grow for future generations.”

Elinor Schneider, a PA at the Perse Prep School, added: “I am delighted to be supporting the Rosie. During my recent pregnancy I took part in a research study focused on first-time mothers and small baby syndrome. It’s been fascinating and I’m so proud to be able to support the kind of research that will help future mothers with babies who might have a problem. And I’m so glad that the hospital is expanding to create the extra capacity it needs.”

Histon and Impington Infants School has been one of the first schools to request the new Rosie wristbands for sale. School Head, Mrs Joy Walker, said: “When we heard about the Big Push and the opportunities for schools, we were keen to get involved as many of our children were born at the Rosie. It ties in so nicely with our Early Years Curriculum, linking well to topics ‘About Ourselves’ and helps to give young children a sense of understanding about who they are. It has definitely captured the children’s interest. The wristbands look set to be a big hit and are on sale at the school reception desk.”

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “We have written to local schools inviting them to back the Big Push by selling Rosie wristbands, holding non-uniform days and giving enterprising pupils the chance to try their hand at fundraising. No doubt nurseries, schools and colleges will have plenty of their own ideas.”

She continued: “Fundraising for the Rosie is an ideal way to get children and young people of all ages involved with a worthwhile cause in their own community – and have some fun at the same time. We hope as many schools as possible will play a part – every penny of community funds will really help to make a difference to tiny newborns and their families.

There are plenty of easy ways for schools and colleges to back the Big Push:

- Stock and sell Rosie wristbands for a suggested £2 donation each

- Hold a non-school uniform day with a suggested small donation per pupil

- Come to school in fancy dress – maybe with a baby theme or as a childhood hero?

- Bring in a favourite baby picture and pay to play ‘guess who’ with the class

- Get young Masterchefs to cook up some tasty treats for a Big Rosie cake sale

- Sell refreshments and drinks at the next sports day or school performance

- Hold a table-top sale of unwanted CDs, DVDs, books and toys

- Decorate your bike or scooter and take it to school for the Big Push

- Do a sponsored walk, skip or run for the Rosie

- See how many young people you can get together for a sponsored Ring-a-Ring-a-Rosie

- Host a Big Push for the Rosie talent show.

To find out more about the Big Push for the Rosie Campaign, request wristbands, download a fundraising pack or discuss what you would like to do to help, please call Trudy Harper on 01223 217757.

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February 2012

Great expectations as ACT launches Big Push for The Rosie

With construction of the expanded and modernised Rosie Hospital due for completion this summer, local people are being invited to join the final Big Push for the Rosie Campaign to keep raising funds that will give babies born in Cambridge the best possible start in life.

Over 100,000 infants have been delivered at the Rosie since it opened in 1983. So ACT, the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, is calling on everyone whose lives have been touched by the much-loved hospital to back the Big Push.

Trudy Harper, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has been so extraordinarily generous with their time and money for the Rosie Campaign so far. Now, with seven months until the first baby is born at the new Rosie, we hope to inspire the whole community to help with a final fundraising push to raise £150,000. The Rosie is all about building families, so this is a lovely way for everyone to get involved as part of the bigger Rosie family.”

“People can help in all sorts of ways. If lots of people rally round to each give a little, then together we can make a big difference. For example, a £2 donation given as a gesture of thanks for everyone born at the Rosie since 1983 would enable ACT to fund all kinds of extra equipment and comforts for new RosieBorn babies and their mothers. If five people donated £2 each, the Rosie could buy some new cot sheets to keep infants cosy and snug. If ten people each donated £5, it would pay for new play equipment for children visiting new siblings. Further up the scale, £500 could fund a waiting room sofa or contribute to a baby cooling unit.”

ACT has come up with plenty of easy ways for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and children of all ages to get involved with the Big Push.

Buy a Rosie wristband: New for 2012, the stylish pink Rosie wristband will make both a must-have accessory and a memorable keepsake – from toddlers to adults it’s the easy way to lend a hand and show your support. Wristbands are available for a suggested donation of £2 direct from the ACT office at Addenbrooke’s, the Rosie Hospital or from local stockists (see http://www.therosiecampaign.org.uk/rosie-wristbands for details). If you’d like a box of wristbands to sell at your school, shop or organisation please contact ACT on 01223 217757.

Inspire pupils to get involved: With so many local children born at the Rosie, ACT is calling on schools to back the Big Push, by selling Rosie wristbands, holding a non-uniform day or by giving enterprising pupils the chance to organise some fundraising.

Club together for fundraising fun: How about encouraging Rainbows, Brownies and Scouts or your local dance, swimming and football clubs to host a mini-fete, talent show or sponsored sports event?

Take a toddle with your teddy: Nurseries and child-minders could take younger children out with their favourite toy or teddy on a sponsored toddle or teddy bear’s picnic – both popular options for keeping little people occupied for an hour or two.

Step out on a Big Buggy Push: With memories of The Rosie fresh in their minds, new mums and dads could get into the great outdoors with a sponsored Big Buggy Push. It’s a great way to road test your new wheels, meet other buggy buddies, get back in shape and give baby plenty of fresh air – all while raising money for a great cause.

Get active with the baby group: Pre- and post-natal groups could organise their own fundraising events from sponsored aqua aerobic sessions for pregnant women to baby sing-along sessions and clothing sales.

Catch up over coffee: How about hosting a cascading coffee morning, cake sale or afternoon tea as an excuse to meet up with friends old and new? It’s an easy way for families, acquaintances, community groups and local businesses to help the Big Push and who knows, you could encourage your guests to hold their own events?

Rattle and shake with the Rosie: Keep your eyes open over the coming months when the ACT team will be out and about shaking buckets and rattling collection tins for the Big Push in and around Cambridge – dates will be publicised nearer the time.

Anna Shasha, Head of Midwifery at the Rosie, said: “Once the major construction work is complete, we’ll start fitting the new premises with equipment and soft furnishings that will transform the empty building into a welcoming, tranquil setting for pregnant women, newborns and new parents. This is where every penny of community funds will really make a difference. We’re sure that anyone with a genuine affection for the Rosie will be proud to support the Big Push in the final countdown to opening – every contribution will be so welcome.”

Ruth Sandland gave birth to baby Marley at the Rosie in September 2011. Marley arrived eight weeks early and spent nearly a month in the Special Care Baby Unit. Ruth said: “People don’t really think about making a donation as a gesture of thanks for the safe delivery of their baby. It’s only when you stop and think about what goes on at a maternity hospital that you realise how much there is to be thankful for and what the real financial cost is. The amazing care my baby received was only possible due to incredible staff and top-of-the-range equipment, which all costs thousands of pounds.”

Ruth added: “The Rosie is already one of the finest birthing centres in the country, providing local women and newborn infants with outstanding care. After the drama is over and you are home holding your beautiful baby, why not consider making a small donation or getting involved with fundraising – imagine what could be achieved? You could be helping to save the life of another baby like mine and there are never enough words to say thank you for that.”

To find out more about the Rosie Hospital Campaign, to request wristbands to sell, or to discuss what you can do to help, please call 01223 217757 or email rosiecampaign@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.

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November 2011

Rosie Christmas cards on sale now!

Christmas cards in aid of the Rosie Hospital Campaign are being sold by ACT – the charity for Addenbrooke's and the Rosie, which runs the Campaign.

These special cards featuring a Christmas baby are available to buy in packs of ten from the ACT office on the main hospital site (across the road from A&E) or on the ACT website, for £3 per pack. All profits from the Christmas cards will go towards the Rosie Hospital Campaign to help make a difference for mums, babies and families of the future.

For more information call ACT on 01223 217757 or email act@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

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Article & pictures courtesy of Cambridge Newspapers 07/11/11

Thanks to the Rosie, we'll do it all over again!

A group of first-time mums who are continuing to support each other after difficult births at the Rosie told RUTH NORRIS about the care they received, and how they believe the new extension at the maternity hospital will make a huge difference to women like them.

THE group of 10-month-old babies are the picture of health and happiness, playing together on the floor while their mums enjoy a comfortable chat.

But the road to parenthood is not easy and the mums say this happy scene is thanks in no small part to the team at the Rosie Hospital, who helped them through emergency caesareans, difficult births and breastfeeding infections.

Liz Simmonds, whose baby Thomas had to be delivered by emergency C-section, said: “We only have good things to say about our experiences at the Rosie. We must be quite an unusual antenatal group as six out of the nine of us had to have our babies through caesarean section because of problems, breaches and emergencies.

“The team at the Rosie were brilliant throughout. When you are going through a birth, as a woman, you are very much in your own zone and I think you are slightly immune to what’s actually going on, but I could tell they knew exactly what they were doing, and the support for our husbands was great as well.

“Even for the early scans the midwives were so friendly and take lots of time going over stuff with you. Everyone there was full of brilliant advice.

“I had a horrible moment during giving birth where they had to make me lie on my side and it was really painful but the midwife got me through. She sounded like she was a school teacher and I was a naughty child, but that’s exactly what I needed.

“Despite the fact I had a particularly tough birth it hasn’t put me off having another baby at all and that’s because of the care I received.

“I have a friend in another part of the country who had to go to a couple of hospital sites and her pregnancy ended up being a bit of a rough ride. She said she had such a tough time she probably wouldn’t think about having another one.”

The group met this time last year at an antenatal class. They all had their babies between early January and February this year, and try to meet up once a week. Today they have got together in a home in Montague Road, Cambridge.

Liz said: “It has been a big help to carry on seeing each other. We are all first-time parents and it has been really valuable to have people around us who are going through the same experiences and whose babies are doing the same things.

“I think it’s good because almost all of us gave up full-time work so it’s been a big adaptation to becoming stay-at-home mums. Most of us have already or are planning on going back to work.”

Lizzie Rosewell’s baby Isaac also ended up being delivered by emergency C-section. Lizzie said she was surprised by how fast and efficient everything to do with her care was.

She said: “I was surprised by how quick the recovery was after my emergency caesarean. The team were so calm and positive. I was amazed at the speed at which they could conjure up about 12 people when it turned out I needed lots of help.”

The group said the aftercare they received was especially helpful to put their first-time-parent worries to rest.

Lizzie said: “The Birth Afterthoughts scheme really helped as well. I had to have an emergency caesarean because the birth was progressing too slowly, but at the time you don’t get a chance to really think about what’s going on and why.

“In Afterthoughts you meet up with your midwife and they go through each stage of what happened to you and your baby and tell you why they made the decisions they did. Knowing all of that made me feel much more comfortable about everything.”

Elizabeth Delaney, who was pregnant with her baby William when she met the group, said: “I had a really tough stage at around 10 days. I was suffering from mastitis and it was so painful to breast feed, and it seemed to me like it was the end of the world.

“I called the emergency number at around eight at night and someone came out to help me, which is amazing.”

The mums all agreed that they are keen to have their next children in the Rosie extension, which is on target for completion at the end of June next year.

Liz said: “The Rosie was quite busy the night I gave birth, and the availability of some of the facilities does depend on how many people are giving birth that night. However, when I wanted an epidural the on-call doctor was there within 10 minutes, and when things got difficult a whole team appeared from nowhere.

“The facilities and experience are great already, so it’s important to offer that same care to as many women as possible, so the extension is definitely a good thing.

“It will be great when the new extension is up and running, and we all certainly hope it will be by the time we want to have more. It will make such a difference to know that even on busy nights you can have access to whichever of the facilities you think will help you along.

“Luckily all of us recovered quickly and didn’t have to stay in hospital too long, but it’s also good to know that if the babies did need special care there is the neonatal unit there too.”

The Rosie is currently undergoing a huge extension to ensure that the thousands of mums and babies like the ones in this group continue to get the best care possible.

The extension is costing £7 million, and the hospital is asking you to help raise some of this money.

If you are planning a fundraising activity, let us know at the News by calling (01223) 434424 or emailing ruth.norris@cambridge-news.co.uk.

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Article & pictures courtesy of Cambridge Newspapers 02/11/11

The 23 minutes to save Marley and me

A mum who had an emergency Caesarean to deliver her baby two months early says they owe their lives to staff at the Rosie Hospital.

Marley Sandland was just 4lb 3oz and not breathing when he was born, after mum Ruth suffered heavy bleeding.

They are now fine and back home in Wimpole with Marley’s dad, Chris.

Ruth, 34, said: “I was diagnosed with placenta previa, which is where the placenta covers the cervix so the baby can’t come out.

“I had one minor bleed and one major bleed, and so I had to stay in hospital until it was time to have the baby.

One evening I started to lose a lot of blood. It was two months early but they decided they had to deliver the baby right then.

I lost 3.5 litres of blood. Within 23 minutes the staff had delivered Marley by C-section and sorted me out, but he came out bright blue and wasn’t breathing.

They gave him rescue breaths and he was OK, but he had to stay in the special care unit for about three weeks while he put on weight.”

As Ruth’s condition was diagnosed quite early on, she had been taking steroids which meant Marley’s lungs were stronger than they would have been for such a premature baby.

Ruth said: “The whole time I was in hospital, even though it was all very scary, I was never too worried. The staff were absolutely wonderful. I felt really relaxed knowing we were both in the best possible hands.”

She added: “The Rosie definitely needs its extension – it was incredibly busy while I was there. It will be great when they have the accommodation for families as well, that would have made a huge difference to us.”

During 2010/2011, nearly 5,800 babies were born at the Rosie – 1,800 more than it was designed to cope with.

By 2020, the figure is predicted to hit 7,500, so expansion was essential.

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October 2011

Rosie team raise thousands from Three Peaks Challenge

Article courtesy of Cambridge News

Midwives, nurses, and others from across the maternity hospital climbed the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland in July to raise money for the News’ Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The mountains they tackled were Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis, which are the highest in their respective countries, and have a collective height of 3,407 metres.

This daunting figure did not deter the 33-member team from the hospital, who scaled all three within 24 hours.

Karen Hayes, neonatal dietician, said: “It was a success and everyone did amazingly and we all had a good time.

“It was very hard and the support that we’ve had from friends and colleagues definitely helped to keep us all motivated and moving.”

The team travelled in minibuses donated by the Perse, St Faith’s and The Leys schools, and began their ascent at 7.30am on Saturday.

Midwife Pip Kidgell said: “I knew it was going to be pretty tough so I’ve been doing lots of training. I’ve been out walking so often my dog is exhausted, as well as running and taking spinning classes.”

The youngest member of the team was 16-year-old Tom May, whose mother is a nurse at the Rosie.

Tom said: “I think I can handle it after all my Duke of Edinburgh training at school. I want to be a doctor one day and I’ve done work experience at the hospital, so I’m quite familiar with the team.”

Thanks to the group's efforts and its fantastic supporters, the Rosie team raised a fantastic amount of over £20,000 for the Rosie Hospital Campaign!

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September 2011

Chariots of Fire race – a great success!

On Sunday 18 September 322 teams – 2000 runners – took to the streets of Cambridge to raise money for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

Following a scenic 1.7 mile course through the colleges and the backs of Cambridge the annual race follows in the footsteps of the famous film which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.

This year, the twentieth Chariots of Fire event took place in aid of our very own Rosie Hospital Campaign supporting an extension of the Rosie.

Once again this great charity event was sponsored by leading regional law firm, Hewitsons and supported by the Cambridge News.

Race Director, Charles Hewitson said: “We are delighted to be able to support a very worthwhile and local cause."

Thank you to everyone who supported this fantastic event by running, cheering on teams or donating. We are so grateful to you all.

The funds raised will be collected and totalled by the end of 2011.

To see photos from the event please go to: www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk or http://www.cuh.org.uk/rosie/news/2011/september/chariots_of_fire_2011.html

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Mary Archer runs for the Rosie Hospital Campaign

The Daily Mail 19/9/11

Only five months after life-saving cancer surgery, Mary Archer was out pounding the streets yesterday to raise money for charity.

The 66-year-old scientist ran almost two miles as part of six-strong relay team in the Chariots of Fire race in Cambridge.

And there to give her moral support was husband Jeffrey, who ran alongside her in matching pink T-shirt.

The 71-year-old novelist was not registered to take part but joined her shortly after the start and dropped out 100 yards short of the finish line.

Dr Archer, a mother of two, was diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer last November.

At the start of April, she had a seven-hour operation to install an artificial bladder at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where she is chairman of the governing NHS trust.

She revealed the surgery in an interview last month with the Daily Mail, describing it as a ‘highly sophisticated plumbing job’.

[The charity run was to support an expansion of the Rosie Hospital, for women's and maternity services in Cambridge.] By last night, Dr Archer had helped to raise more than £3,500.

Before the event, she said: ‘I’m feeling very well, and I’m using the opportunity to run in Chariots of Fire as a challenge to improve my fitness.

‘I will be jogging more than running – but I’m very happy to be taking part.’

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Thanks to the Rosie's Snowdon Strollers!

In July a group of staff and parents with their Rosie-born children, known as the Snowdon Strollers, supported the group of Rosie staff undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The Snowdon Strollers helped raise nearly £1000 towards the £20,000 raised from the Three Peaks Challenge.

The Snowdon Strollers successfully walked to the top of Mount Snowdon on Saturday 9 July and they included three year old Samuel (pictured left) who walked as far as the first lake and one year old Barney (pictured right) who made it to the top of Snowdon in a back pack!

Sara Harris, Neonatal Discharge Planning Co-ordinator, said: "It was a special day for Barney because it was one year to the day that he had been discharged from the Neonatal Unit at the Rosie."

A big thank you to the Snowdon Strollers and all of the Three Peaks Challenge team for their fantastic fundraising efforts!

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August 2011

An article in the Cambridge News 24/8/11:

Parents' gift to hospital that saved their son's life

A couple who feared their newborn baby was going to die because he was three months premature celebrated his first birthday by raising money for the hospital that saved him.

Kerry and George Horler, of Victoria Road, Cambridge, have donated more than £1,300 to the Rosie after holding a family fun day.

This time last year the family found themselves in crisis after Kerry went into labour three months early.

George said: “It was a difficult time for all of us, including our other two children. We thought our baby Otis wasn’t going to make it but he was OK and we feel we owe the hospital so much.”

Otis was born at 27 weeks and weighed only 1.24 kg.

He spent the first two months of his life in intensive care in the Rosie neonatal unit, which made things very tough for the Horlers.

George added: “The staff at the Rosie were amazing, and our family was back together faster than we expected. They cared for all of us brilliantly, and arranged for our other two children to take part in play therapy, and also for them to hold their new brother’s hand through the incubator.”

Kerry and George teamed up with Jackie Russell, manager at The Ranch restaurant in Histon Road, Cambridge, to run a summer family fun day in July and 145 people enjoyed a barbecue, live music and games.

George said: “It was really busy, which we were so pleased about. A lot of people came to support us who had similar experiences to us.”

The Rosie Hospital Campaign is raising money for an extension at the maternity hospital that will see improvements to the facilities including new care equipment and double the number of beds for babies like Otis.

The £7 million Campaign is over half way there, with £3.6 million pledged so far. Community support has raised a brilliant £127,750 but there is a long way to go, with £3.4 million still needed.

If you would like to help the Rosie raise more money, go to the Get Involved section of this website, and make sure to let the News know about what you are doing so they can support your efforts. ruth.norris@cambridge-news.co.uk

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July 2011

Falling out of planes for the Rosie

Daredevil fundraisers Justin Crane and Chris Millward will be undertaking a charity skydive in July in Chatteris to raise funds to help make a difference for babies and their families at the Rosie Hospital.

Work on a vital expansion of the Rosie began this year and ACT, the registered charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, is running a £7million campaign to support the expansion. This year ACT hopes to raise £500,000 towards this goal with help from the hospital’s local community.

Justin, from Chesterton, said: “The whole reason we're doing this (apart from the fun element) is that my girlfriend’s brother and his wife recently gave birth to a 10 week premature baby. Whilst obviously this was an extremely tough and tense time for them the Rosie were there for them and provided great support, not only for baby Ellie but for the parents too. A handful of my friends have also gone through problems with their newborn babies but again, the Rosie have been there!

“I’ll admit I’m not totally enthralled with the idea of falling out of a plane. I do get a bit anxious around high places but this will be one of many annual events to help raise money for such a great cause full of little fighters. Ellie proved she’s strong but it was the love of her parents and the tremendous care of the Rosie that made her the strongest!”

To sponsor the boys’ skydive just go to www.justgiving.com/skybabies.

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Rosie staff scaling new heights to raise funds

A team of 33 staff from the Rosie are preparing to take on the Three Peaks Challenge on 9 July all in aid of the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

The adventurous team including consultants, midwives, nurses, dietitians, members of the neonatal transport team and more will be climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon all in 24 hours to help make a difference for patients at the Rosie.

Karen Hayes, dietitian, said: "Since the Rosie Hospital Campaign was launched to the public in January, so many very generous people throughout the area have been raising funds to help us reach our fundraising total of £7 million that will enable us to dramatically increase the size of the Rosie, and mean that we can treat more poorly mothers, babies and their families across the region. And now we've decided to do our bit!"

Karen continued: "We'd be thrilled if you could sponsor us for the challenge by giving what you can, and help us make the vision for the new Rosie a reality."

To the sponsor the team's fantastic efforts, please visit their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/rosie-3-peaks

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Spartans running the gauntlet for the Rosie

Intrepid runners will be taking on the 50k (31m) Fairlands Valley Challenge Ultra Trail Marathon on 17 July in aid of the Rosie.

Chris Sandland, Robert Bumstead and Adrian Jarvis, all of TTP Group technology and development organisation in Cambridge, will join the Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club's 31 mile trail marathon to help support our much-loved hospital in July.

Chris said: "The charity is close to my heart now as my wife is 21 weeks pregnant after many years of trying, and the Rosie have been fantasic so far. So please dig deep just like we will be doing and support our efforts today!"

To sponsor the team please go to: www.justgiving.com/christopher-sandland0

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May 2011

Register now for Chariots of Fire in aid of the Rosie

Get ready for the region’s largest charity relay race – Chariots of Fire – Sunday 18 Sepember 2011

Following a scenic 1.7 mile course through the colleges and the backs of Cambridge the race follows in the footsteps of the famous film which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.

This year Chariots of Fire is in aid of ACT's Rosie Hospital Campaign supporting an extension of the Rosie which will see our much-loved maternity hospital double in size, providing outstanding facilities for women and babies across the East of England.

Once again this great charity event is sponsored by leading regional law firm, Hewitsons and supported by the Cambridge News.

Race Director, Charles Hewitson said: “We are delighted to be able to support a very worthwhile and local cause.

“Chariots of Fire is a great opportunity for local organisations and college members to join together for a great cause whilst getting fit in the process. For those who don’t want to run in the race, it is also a great fun day out to come along and support the teams.”

The race takes place on Sunday 18 September and starts and ends on Queens’ Green. Teams of varying categories are made up of six runners, who run the course as a relay.

Team registrations can now be made online at www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk

For more information please visit the website or email admin@chariots-of-fire.co.uk

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Pampered Chef Cooking Show Fundraisers

Pampered Chef Cooking Show consultant, Vicky Pollard, will be running Pampered Chef parties for hosts wishing to raise funds for the Rosie Hospital Campaign. When you host a Pampered Chef event you and your friends will learn great recipes, techniques and tips and you could help raise up to 15% of all sales of products for the campaign!

To find out more please contact Vicky on: 07724 011 674 or email victoria.pollard@study.beds.ac.uk

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April 2011

Hidden Rooms Quiz Night

Hidden Rooms in Cambridge are holding a quiz night in aid of the Campaign - please join them and help them to raise funds!

Details: Thursday 21st April, doors open at 7pm, quiz starts 8pm sharp! 5-8 people per team at £40 per team. Hidden Rooms, 7A Jesus Lane, Cambridge CB5 8BA

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March 2011

Baby Ella's Journey to Raise Awareness

Ella Anderson's birth was traumatic. Born stillborn and revived after 25 minutes, she suffered a lack of oxygen to her brain. Ella underwent vital cooling treatment at the Rosie and is now doing spectactularly well.

Ella's mum, Rachel Claxton, is starting an awareness campaign about neonatal cooling.

"When i went in to Labour, all the monitors showed everything was all well and ok, then i felt the urge to push. Two pushes and Ella was born and whisked away, all I remember seeing was blood coming from her nose.

"The next 45 mins were the longest of my life, consultants, doctors, midwives everywhere. I caught a glimpse of somebody doing chest compressions on my baby and bags of blood been passed through, nobody told us anything.

"After 45 mins I was told she was alive and later found out she had been dead for 25 mins... My placenta had ruptured and she had bled to death. It's a good job she came within two pushes.

"After three hours I got to see her. She was critical and about to be transferred to Addenbrooke's to undergo cooling treatment. The lack of oxygen is known to cause brain damage and all her organs had been affected.

"It was a matter of taking hour by hour, day by day... 72 hours of being cooled and she came through though we wont know how well it's worked straight away - it could take years.

"Today I believe the cooling treatment saved my daughter from severe brain damage or even death. She is nearly 10 months old and is doing really well. She undergoes physio regularly as she is still not crawling about and they have noticed right sided weakness.

"But this is nothing, she is with us and a miracle baby at that."

Rachel hopes to raise awareness of neonatal cooling, and is raising funds to support the Rosie Hospital Campaign. Click here to read more on how the expansion of the Rosie will make a difference for even more babies who need cooling treatment.

To find out more, please follow Ella's Journey to Raise Awareness on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellas-Journey-to-Raise-Awareness/195746520444790

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Cambridge Doulas

The Cambridge Doulas have been supporting the Campaign raising funds for the new Birth Centre. Visit the Doulas website www.cambsdoulas.co.uk to see how they could help you during and after your pregnancy.

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February 2011

It's all Rosie.....Pink!

With the help of daughter Philippa, this recent Rosie mum is supporting the Campaign by dying her hair pink for a whole month and asking friends and family to sponsor her! Support Egle via www.justgiving.com/Egle-Jeffery

Egle and Philippa

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Neurological cooling at the Rosie

The expansion of the Rosie Hospital could provide a total of 58 cots for Intensive Care, High Dependency and Special Care babies, where the hospital’s staff will also provide expert neurological care to newborn infants from across the East of England.

A predominant feature in neonatal care is dealing with the lack of development of the infant. Key to this is often the risk of brain injury, which is something not only suffered by preterm babies but term babies also, for example Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE).

HIE develops when there is an interruption of blood supply, and critically oxygen, to the brain during labour. This occurs in between 1-2 /1000 births and has a high risk of death or serious neuro-disability. Survivors may go on to develop cerebral palsy, have long term visual or hearing problems, develop learning difficulties and many have prolonged seizures which can be difficult to treat. Such disabilities place an enormous physical, emotional and financial burden on the child, their family and the wider community.

Until now, the only treatment for HIE was supportive intensive care. However, evidence has emerged that cooling the infant, by 3-4 degrees for 72 hours after birth can significantly reduce the long-term developmental problems.

Topun Austin, Neonatal Consultant said: "The Rosie expansion is going to have a major impact on the care provided to babies who suffer brain injury at the time of birth. We will have a dedicated area in the new NICU for the provision of 'Neurocritical Care Cots' - which will have specialised monitoring and cooling equipment for these babies. This will form part of a unique neonatal neurocritical care team, consisting of neonatal doctors, specialist nurses and paediatric neurologists to manage these babies. The Rosie extension will also include the Mother and Child Imaging centre which will provide imporant diagnositic and prognostic information on both the unborn baby and sick newborn in intensive care. The location of the facility within the Rosie is unique in the region and will enable the sickest patients to be transferred safely to the scanner."

The cost of looking after a severely disabled child runs into millions of pounds. Through the installation of the ‘Neurocritical Care Cots’ and other such technologies, we can limit or prevent injury and therefore decrease the emotional and financial costs to the individual, their families and the community long term.

The new neonatal unit at the Rosie will contain three of these specialised cots.

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The Rosie does the Three Peaks Challange!

Rosie staff and their friends and family are getting behind the Rosie Campaign by undertaking the infamous Three Peaks Challenge. On 9 July, the team will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - all in 24 hours! They aim to raise £20,000 for the Rosie.

Show your support by sponsoring the team via www.justgiving.com/Rosie-3-Peaks

The Three Peaks Team

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Campaign Launch Event

The Rosie Campaign celebrated its success to date at an official launch event on 7 February. Kindly hosted by John Lewis Cambridge, over 100 guests were treated to a drinks reception with string quartet before members of the Campaign Board made speeches. We hope that 2011 will bring us similar success to 2010!

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January 2011

Cutting the Sod Ceremony

An official 'Cutting the Sod' Ceremony was held at the Rosie to mark the start of the construction now the site has been formally handed over to our contractors Farrans. Dr Mary Archer, Chairman, Cambridge University Hospitals and Gerry Hackett, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, put the first spades in the ground.

Some recent Rosie born children help us celebrate! Cutting the Sod

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Staff raise £670 to support expansion of the Rosie!

A fundraising dinner for all female consultants at the Trust was recently held by staff in aid of The Rosie Hospital Campaign – to help support the expansion of the Rosie.

Rohna Kearney (Consultant Urogynaecologist, Rosie) and Rowan Burnstein (Consultant, NCCI) organised the September dinner which helped kick-start staff fundraising for the Rosie Hospital Campaign. The Campaign aims to raise £7 million from charitable sources to contribute towards the £29 million total build cost for the Rosie extension.

The dinner, held in the beautiful surroundings at Newnham College brought together 25 female consultants from various departments across Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie. Not only did it give the ladies a chance to get together outside work, but through the cost of their dinner ticket it raised valuable money for the Rosie Hospital Campaign.

After the event Rohna Kearney said: “We had a very relaxed and enjoyable evening with dinner at Newnham College and were delighted to welcome Sue Owens, Director General of Welfare and Wellbeing at the Dept of Work and Pensions as our after dinner speaker. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up with colleagues or meet them for the first time.”

Thank you to everyone involved in the evening and for showing your support for the Rosie.

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Staff at Mills & Reeve kick-start community fundraising

Accounts Assistant Abby Hawkins and her colleague Karen Horn, both at Mills & Reeve in Cambridge, have boosted the fundraising for the Rosie Hospital Campaign through holding a series of fundraising activities at the office.

So far, through the generosity of their colleagues at Mills & Reeve, Abby and Karen have raised over £210 by holding two stalls selling homemade jewellery in November and also putting together a Christmas raffle. Local mum Abby is happy that she can make a difference: “I’m so pleased that I can get involved and support the Rosie Hospital Campaign. As a mother of a healthy little boy born at the Rosie 2 years ago, it means a lot to me to be able to give something back and help to make the Rosie bigger and better. If we all do a little, together I’m sure we can raise the £7 million!”

As a company, Mills & Reeve have also named the Rosie as its Charity of the Year for 2011 following staff voting throughout November and December for their chosen charity.

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Bliss charity support

We are delighted to receive the following statement from Andy Cole, CEO of Bliss, the special care baby charity:

"The redevelopment of the Rosie Maternity Hospital will deliver world class services for babies and their families in the East of England. The expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit is already much-needed, but the quality of the care being planned clearly puts the needs of families at the heart of these state-of-the-art medical facilities. Bliss is encouraged by the plans to improve the facilities and accommodation for families, as well as the new counselling suites. These very much follow the ethos of high quality care which we support for our most vulnerable babies."

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Cambridge News back the Rosie Campaign

We are delighted that the Cambridge News have committed to backing the Rosie Campaign throughout 2011 and helping us share our news with the local community. Editor Paul Brackley said:

"We are delighted to support The Rosie Hospital Campaign, as we believe this new facility will be of great benefit to the community. We are confident that our readers will get behind the campaign and devise some brilliant ways to raise funds."

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Flipping Pancakes!

Lion Yard Shopping Centre is inviting you to put together a team to take part in their charity Pancake Flipping Contest being held at Lion Yard on Tuesday 8th March.

Entry is £20 per team with 100% donated to the Rosie Hospital Campaign! For details of how to enter, please contact harriette.conroy@pmwcom.co.uk

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Hannah Duffy Photography

We’d like to thank Hannah Duffy Photography for their support with the Rosie Campaign. Hannah provides bespoke photography for clients in the Cambridge and surrounding areas including family photo shoots, children’s portraits, newborn sessions and engagement and bridal sessions, and has been supporting the Rosie through providing photography for key events free of charge. For more information about Hannah’s services and examples of her work please visit www.hannahduffyphotography.com

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Barry Norman supporting the Rosie Campaign

We are pleased to announce that film critic, Barry Norman, has offered his support to the Rosie Campaign. He said:

"My wonderful grandson Bertie was born, very prematurely, at the Rosie Hospital. The Hospital saved him; and provided excellent care for his mother, Emma. The expansion of the Rosie Hospital is vital to help care for many more mums and babies and to save many precious lives like that of Bertie. Please do help support the Rosie Hospital Campaign and make a donation today."

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