Unexpected donation is a welcome boost to My WiSH Charity's Butterfly Appeal
An appeal to raise £340,000 to help transform the experiences of end-of-life and terminally ill patients received an unexpected boost this week.
My WiSH Charity’s Butterfly Appeal, to create a private garden at West Suffolk Hospital where people could spend time with loved ones, received an anonymous £7,500 donation on Tuesday.
The Bury Free Press is championing the bid to build a butterfly garden within an existing courtyard space. The project would include a glass-fronted building to accommodate a patient in the bed, family and loved ones, while giving an outlook on to a tranquil and accessible garden.
The area would allow patients and loved ones to spend quality time together away from busy ward environments.
Sally Daniels, appeal manager, said the £7,500 donation was a fantastic surprise.
"We cannot thank this wonderful donor enough. This is such a generous gift and we are so grateful," she said.
The community has already rallied around the appeal, with My WiSH receiving many donations in memory of loved ones.
“It just goes to show how important this area is going to be to so many people,” said Sally, who has personal experience of the difference the butterfly garden would have made when her father spent six weeks on the Macmillan Unit.
“This garden would give a space where all ages and even pets could be together. It is important for patients to feel relaxed and safe and it is important for the bereaved to have those last special moments together," she added.
The charity hopes to start constructing the garden early next year.
Sue Smith, My WiSH head of fund-raising, is urging people to tell the charity what it could do to enhance their experiences at the hospital.
“This is an opportunity for people to let us know what could help. Let us know what we can do as a charity – where do you want your money to go?” said Sue.
- To support the appeal, go to justgiving.com/campaign/butterfly or call 01284 713466. If you are a business and want My WiSH to be your charity of the year, call Sally or Sue for more information.
