Alcohol and pocket money given up for Gold Dust

The family of a young boy who has been cared for in our children’s wards is saying thank you by helping to raise money for the Gold Dust Appeal.

Sarah and Matt Geoffrey are taking part in the New Year challenge: Give it up for Gold Dust, by giving up alcohol for January because their one-year-old son Dylan has received care at Derriford Hospital several times. Their daughter Eloise has also got involved and has given up her pocket money.

Sarah explained: “Those of you who know us will know that, since January 2015 when he was only a few months old, our son has had several trips up to the Children's ward at Derriford Hospital. Whilst the staff have always been amazing the décor has seen better days.

“One of the things we have learnt by spending time there is that there are a whole lot of kids a lot more poorly than Dylan who have to spend a huge amount of time on the wards. It would be great for those kids (and the staff too) to have a newly refurbished environment that helped them to feel happier. Us giving up drink is nothing compared to what some of the children on level 12 and the staff go through on a daily basis."

Sarah has set up a Just Giving page where donations can be pledged in support of the family’s effort - https://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Geoffrey/

The Gold Dust Appeal aims to raise £100,000 to create bright, exciting and welcoming wards for local children and young people at Plymouth Hospitals. We want to be able to care for children in a stimulating and sensitive environment with bright and spacious surroundings, which will provide greater comfort and privacy for children and their families.

January 1 2016 marked the start of the challenge to give up a special treat or habit and raise money either by sponsorship – or by donating the money you save by not buying that favourite drink or snack. You can start the challenge anytime.

Emma Cronin, Gold Dust Appeal fundraiser, explained: “Whether you’ve already given something up for a New Year’s resolution or are looking to take on an extra challenge, why not sign up to Give it up for Gold Dust, safe in the knowledge that the money you raise will be helping us make life better for children in our local hospital. Your small challenge can make a real difference for both the children and their families.”

For more information about the Gold Dust Appeal and how to get involved visit http://bit.ly/OurGoldDustAppeal and like our Gold Dust page on Facebook.