Just 17 months ago York Teaching Hospital Charity launched The Snowdrop Appeal which aimed to raise £120,000 to create a maternity bereavement suite at Scarborough Hospital.

The target was reached last weekend after fundraiser Kim Harnett organised a fun day at Cayton which raised over £1200. The event was held in memory of her daughter Grace on what would have been her eighth birthday.

The big announcement came on Saturday at The Snowball at The Downe Arms, Wykeham, which was organised by another loyal supporter Annika Dowson. Annika took great pleasure in sharing the news as she has spent the last two years raising money for the appeal through walks, fairs, calendars and market stalls.

Community Fundraiser Maya Richardson said “I can’t believe we’ve reached it already, it is just the best Christmas present. Working on an appeal like this was always going to be emotional and I personally would like to thank everyone for their support and sharing their stories with us.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated, held an event, jumped out of a plane, ran, walked, jogged, baked, sang, swam, cycled, held a quiz night, bungee jumped, was silent for a day or held a raffle. You have all been amazing and you will make such a difference to the lives of those families who sadly suffer a stillbirth or lose their baby shortly after birth.

“There are still activities happening for the appeal in the run up to Christmas and we ask that you support these if you can, despite the target being reached. As with any project there will always be things that families on the maternity unit would have found useful, and with the additional donations we will be able to purchase these swiftly and make an immediate difference.”

Anyone who still has funds to hand in from fundraising activities can call 01723 236210 or email charity.fundraising@york.nhs.uk.

19 November 2014