Torbay Hospital League of Friends held their annual bed push in Torquay on Sunday 27 August which saw over £1,000 collected to support the League’s work.
The bed push, which returned for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic began, sees League members and supporters push a hospital bed, complete with a teddy patient, around Torquay seafront while collecting donations from members of the public.
The route begun at the Grand Hotel and saw the team travel past the Princess Theatre and around the inner harbour before heading back to the start. Three pushes took place at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Members of Torbay Hospital League of Friends were joined by Councillor Mark Spacagna, The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay, who has chosen the League as one of the charities he will be raising funds for during his year-long Mayoral term.
The teams were also joined by Kate Lissett, Interim Medical Director, and Jane Harris, Associate Director of Communications and Partnerships from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
Lots of people showed their appreciation for both the League and their local NHS’ work, and the team were particularly grateful for support from Offshore Bar & Restaurant and Harbour Gifts and Antiques.
Kathryn Westaway, Chairman of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “It was great to be able to do the bed push again after a three-year year break due to COVID-19.
“We all had a great day, whilst collecting over £1,000 for the League. My thanks go to everyone who kindly donated to us.”
Councillor Mark Spacagna, Councillor for Cockington with Chelston & Livermead and Civic Mayor of Torbay at Torbay Council, said: “It was a privilege to be invited to join all the volunteers who give up their free time to raise funds for such an amazing charity, a charity that I’ve chosen as one of my Mayoral charities.”
Kate Lissett, Interim Medical Director at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to support Torbay Hospital League of Friends for their bed push. It was clear how grateful local people and visitors to our area are for the support their NHS provides.
“Our organisation is so grateful for the League’s continuous fundraising and support; events like these show how important they are and how much they mean to our wider community too.”
Find out more about how to support the League and hear about their upcoming events on www.thlof.co.uk
