A WARD clerk who organised a family fun day at a Colchester pub has handed over more than £1,100 to the hospital where she works.

 

Clare Long has worked on the critical care department of Colchester General Hospital for eight years.

In August she ran a fun day at The Friar, in St Christopher Road, raising £1,100.

On Wednesday she presented the neonatal unit and children’s ward with £550 each.

Mrs Long said: “The day was so well attended that at one point the barbecue sold out of food.

“In fact, it was such a success that we’re seriously thinking of holding a similar event next summer to raise funds for a different part of the hospital.”

Some of the money was also raised by friends who agreed to body shaves and waxes.

Graham Appleton, children’s services fundraising co-ordinator at Colchester General Hospital, said: “We are very grateful for the time and effort given by Clare and The Friar in raising this fantastic amount of money.

“It will make a real difference to the care and support we can give our babies and children.”

The neonatal unit, which admits up to 550 babies a year, will put the money towards the cost of buying a £30,000 state-of-the-art ventilator.

Children’s ward staff plan to use their share to buy sensory toys which can be used by children in the sensory room.