An exciting new fundraising initiative has been announced by The Countess Charity in aid of the Chronicle-supported Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.
The charity has teamed up with the British Ironwork Centre to create a large structure which will be built in the shape of a rainbow to commemorate and remember 2020 and all those who played a part in taking care of others.
Lesley Woodhead, head of fundraising, said: “We have all loved seeing the rainbows on display in windows, on roundabouts and on t-shirts so we thought it would be a great fundraising idea to create something that will last.
“Our good friends at Medicash are sponsoring the structure and we are inviting everyone to buy one or more of the thousands of hearts we need in the colour of their choice.
“This will be a lasting tribute to all key workers who worked so hard during 2020. We see children being proud that this is to mark the work of their parents and patients thanking staff for care and look forward to the support of the Chester community in making this happen.”
Funds raised for this project will go towards the £500k Blue Skies Balcony Appeal to build a balcony on to the Intensive Care Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
All patients, their family and friends and staff will benefit from this innovative improvement. This appeal will create a balcony that beds can be moved on to so that patients will benefit from the outdoor fresh air in a safe and infection control supported area.
Recently the ICU team have gone through an extremely difficult time facing extra pressures with the pandemic and this appeal will make a real difference to both the staff and patients on ICU. The appeal was launched on July 1 and is currently 17% towards its target.
Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash, said: “Medicash has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with The Countess and is excited about our next project with them – The Medicash Rainbow.
“The Rainbow is a symbol of hope and something that everyone can get involved with. It’s a simple way of giving back. Now, more than ever, we all appreciate our health and the work that everyone at The Countess does to support us.”
Clive Knowles, chairman, British Ironwork Centre, said: “This is a design that is so of the moment, with the country in crisis and the NHS protecting everyone of us from the virus.
“We are honoured and delighted to undertake this project for the Countess of Chester and will ensure it’s beautiful.”
Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash, said: “Medicash has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with The Countess and is excited about our next project with them – The Medicash Rainbow.
“The Rainbow is a symbol of hope and something that everyone can get involved with. It’s a simple way of giving back. Now, more than ever, we all appreciate our health and the work that everyone at The Countess does to support us.”
Clive Knowles, chairman, British Ironwork Centre, said: “This is a design that is so of the moment, with the country in crisis and the NHS protecting everyone of us from the virus.
“We are honoured and delighted to undertake this project for the Countess of Chester and will ensure it’s beautiful.”
Each heart can be sponsored for a minimum of £10 – the charity will send you a favour to keep in your purse or pocket about the colour you choose – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet make up the rainbow.
The charity hopes to complete the Rainbow in the summer of 2021.
You can purchase a heart for the iron rainbow by visiting their Just Giving page here.
How you can help the blue skies balcony appeal
- Follow the Facebook page – The Countess Charity
- Make a collecting tin for your business
- Adopt Blue Skies Balcony as your Charity of the Year
- Join in with fundraising activities
- Create your own fundraising fun at home or work
- To contact email [email protected]