Trust asks for charity legacy donations and party bookings (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Epsom at St Helier Hospital trust asks for charity legacy donations and party bookings

2:16pm Monday 3rd December 2012 in News By Omar Oakes

Leaving charities money in a will, or using its radio station for parties, are some of the ways a hospital trust is bidding to raise some much-needed cash this Christmas.

On December 1, Epsom and St Helier trust launched its 25days25ways campaign, which for every day up until the 25th promotes a different way of helping charities at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals.

Some of the suggestions include money in the form of a donation, volunteering, booking a hospital’s radio station to play music at a wedding, or bequeathing them money in a will.

Matthew Hopkins, the Trust’s chief executive, said: “If there’s one thing I know about the people of Epsom, Sutton and Merton, it’s how much they love and support their local hospitals – Epsom, Sutton and St Helier, including Queen Mary’s.

“Our patients and local people, as well as staff and volunteers, are clearly very passionate about the work that we do and are keen to help us ensure that our hospitals have bright futures.”

The Trust is predicting a £19m deficit for the next financial year and, in 2010, it was decided Epsom and St Helier should split because they did not have the financial ability to become a foundation trust together.

Charities featured in the campaign include: The League of Friends of St Helier and Sutton hospitals, the St Helier and Surrey Kidney Patients’ Association and The Friends of Epsom Hospital.