Crosshouse Children’s Fund, the charity for Ayrshire’s children in hospital, has celebrated its fourth anniversary with a milestone funding announcement.
Thanks to donations and fundraising from individuals and businesses across Ayrshire and Arran, the charity has now invested more than £350,000 in the hospitals it supports.
The Fund was established in 2019 to support the babies and children treated at University Hospital Crosshouse, Ayrshire Maternity and Neonatal Unit, and in community settings across Ayrshire and Arran. Initially set up as a fund of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Crosshouse Children’s Fund has now been established as a charity in its own right.
Projects funded by Crosshouse Children’s Fund in that time include the £54,000 enhancement project at Rainbow House at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine, which has made the paediatric care facility more welcoming for young patients.
Funding has also provided the infant feeding service, otoscopes, and a mobile sensory unit at University Hospital Crosshouse, while a commitment is in place of over £100,000 towards improving the maternity and neonatal garden spaces at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit.
Created to fund research, play and equipment at facilities in Ayrshire and Arran, the charity immediately had to grapple with the realities of Covid-19 and then difficulties arising from the cost of living crisis.
Passing such a large milestone despite these challenges has strengthened the charity’s resolve to continue its mission of improving the hospital experience for children across the region.
Kirsten Watson, CEO, said: “Every year, 25,000 babies and children from across Ayrshire and Arran require hospital treatment. From the tiniest babies in the neonatal unit at Ayrshire Maternity, to the children’s wards at University Hospital Crosshouse and throughout the community, Crosshouse Children’s Fund is here for Ayrshire and Arran’s children in hospital.
“We would like to thank each and every one of our amazing donors, fundraisers and volunteers for the critical part they play. We depend on the support of the Ayrshire and Arran community, and look forward to creating an even bigger impact in the years to come.”
Readers interested in supporting Crosshouse Children’s Fund should visit CrosshouseChildrensFund.org to volunteer, donate or fundraise for Ayrshire’s babies and children.
