14 May 2009
The actresses June Whitfield and Liz Fraser popped into St Helier Hospital last night (13 May), to wish the League of Friends a happy 60th birthday.
June, who is Patron of the charity, and 'Carry On' star Liz attended the friends' Annual General Meeting to cut a birthday cake and help other members mark the special occasion.
Since forming in 1949, the charity has raised a staggering £5 million for St Helier and Sutton hospitals, and all of the hard work and fundraising is set to continue for years to come.
Val Brundle, the chairman of St Helier and Sutton hospital's Friends, said: "We're honoured that June and Liz could join our 60th birthday celebrations. It was a pleasure, as always, to have two such special guests. Their continuing support is very much appreciated, and on behalf of all of the friends, I would like to say a big thank you to them both.
"We're incredibly proud that the charity has been running for such a long time, and we hope that the good work can continue for another 60 years at least.
"We now have three thriving retail shops, a treasure trove of a charity shop, an extremely popular tea bar and an always bustling office. Also run by the friends are refreshment services in various clinics and a group of volunteer drivers that can help patients get to their appointments."
Peter Coles, interim Chief Executive was a speaker at the AGM. He said: "On behalf of the Trust Board and all of our staff, I would like to wish the League of Friends a very happy 60th birthday and to thank them for all their hard work and support over the years. They do a fantastic job and have done so much for our hospitals."
The Friends have helped fund new equipment across both hospitals and the result of their hard work is evident in a number of places. From bigger projects, such a recently purchased electrocardiogram (ECG) machine in the Coronary Care Unit in St Helier to the smaller donations of toys and pictures in waiting rooms, the fruits of their labour are dotted around the two sites.
There are currently 1,800 members of the League of Friends, with approximately 100 volunteers giving their spare time to work at the two hospitals. But the Friends could always do with more friends.
