Charity of the Year raises smiles and spirits at Warrington Hospital

Highly commended in this category were Warrington VIP, which looks after visually impaired residents, and children’s charity JUMP.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity raises more than money – they raise smiles and lift the spirits of patients and visitors to the hospitals.

It’s the only charity in the area that supports Warrington residents right from birth through to end of life, and every day in between.

Since 2016, nearly £2million has been donated through the community helping the charity provide additional services, specialist equipment and items to enhance the care provided by the dedicated hospital teams.

One nomination said: “The charity works tirelessly throughout the year engaging with the community and helping support the families who go into hospital.

“Families in our community are extremely appreciative of all that they do.”

Charity of the Year Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity - Helen Higginson, head of fundraising, Jane Breeze, charity administrator, with Leanne Campbell and deputy editor of the Warrington Guardian Gareth Dunning

Another said: “The small team delivers so much to patients at the hospitals, over and above what the NHS can provide.

“Its contributions make stays or visits to the hospitals a much more pleasant experience during what can be a very stressful time.”

Helen Higginson, head of fundraising, and Jane Breeze, charity administrator, were at The Village to collect their award.

Helen said: “It’s wonderful to be acknowledged for the work we do.

“Knowing we make an impact on so many people’s lives is amazing.

“We’re a small but perfectly formed team supported by a hard-working group of volunteers as well as people in the community.

“Without them, we couldn’t do what we do.”