CMJ retailer Jacobs the Jewellers, based in Reading, has become a principal business partner for Royal Berks Charity Children’s Ward and has kickstarted the fundraising to help with its appeal to make changes to its 44 bed children’s ward.
The paediatric team at the Royal Berkshire Hospital work tirelessly to ensure younger patients and their families feel reassured and at ease during their hospital stay. The team is always looking for ways to improve the care and experience provided to its patients, and this time it is making significant changes to its overnight facilities.
Claire Lord, matron for children’s services explains: “We are aiming to replace our current overnight bedside facilities, a number of uncomfortable camp beds with 44 reclining chairs, one for each bedside on our 44-bedded children’s ward.
“The recliners will ensure parents and carers who need or wish to stay overnight can rest comfortably, close to their child. We all know having to stay in hospital can be a little daunting, and for our younger patients having a loved one stay with you can really help to reduce anxiety, enhance the experience and support an improved recovery. Costing approximately £1,000 per chair we approached the charity to see if they could help us with funding.”
In support of this great cause, the Royal Berkshire Charity has launched an appeal to raise the £44,000 needed, and is delighted to welcome back long established Reading independent jeweller ‘Jacobs the Jewellers’ as a principal business partner.
Adam Jacobs of Jacobs the Jewellers said “Jacobs have enjoyed a long term partnership with the Royal Berkshire for a number of years, raising funds for the charity, and we’re delighted to be supporting this latest appeal that will see the improvement of facilities for patients who range in age from newborn to 16 years old. I was born in the Royal Berks, as were my kids and all the team at Jacobs have strong links to the hospital too. We really value being able to support the Charity, ward and hospital.
“We’re kicking off our fundraising with two initiatives: a ‘guess the number of gems in a jar’ competition, and a ‘Chair Share’ scheme, which enables donors to buy either a piece or a whole chair and be recognised with a visible commemorative display in the ward. If you would like to know more or take part please do come along to the shop – we’d love to see you or visit our website here. We’re also pleased to immediately pledge 2 chairs to the appeal to get the project up and running. ”
Jo Warrior, Charity Director said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Adam and the team at Jacobs for getting behind this great project, and to our donors who have already pledged their support. Upgrading the bedside sleeping facilities will make such a difference to those who want to stay close to their child overnight, and we are looking forward to sharing their comments and photos as the project progresses.”
