Generous members of the public who bought ‘NHS Heroes’ clothing from Barrow Raiders have helped the rugby league club make a donation of nearly £3,000 to Furness General Hospital.
The club made the donation via the Bay Hospitals Charity, which raises money to improve patient care and experience across University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
Club Chairman Steve Neale visited the hospital in early January to make the donation, as well as deliver chocolates and cuddly toys donated by the Barrow branch of Asda to patients in the hospital’s Children’s Ward.
Steve said: "We wanted to give something back to the NHS for the excellent work they have done. This donation is on behalf of the club as well as the community.
“Staff at Furness General Hospital have just been fantastic during what is a terrible time.
“The club has just facilitated this really – it’s the members of the public who have made the donation possible through their purchases.”
Sales of blue ‘NHS Heroes’ shirts began during the first half of 2020. After being overwhelmed with orders, the club added a pink version of the shirt as well as hoodies to the range in order to meet demand.
Proceeds from the clothing sales generated nearly £6,000.
Heidi Bowron, Membership and Charity Engagement Coordinator for Bay Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to the club and its supporters for this show of love and appreciation for the NHS and the team at Furness General Hospital.
“It’s really heartwarming to know that members of the community are so proud of their local NHS and our amazing staff.”
The other half of the proceeds from the sales went to the club’s community programme, which is focused on inspiring healthy lifestyles and has been working on a range of projects including providing fitness sessions in care homes via Zoom.
Bay Hospitals Charity funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment. To donate and support your local NHS hospital, contact Bay Hospitals Charity on 01524 516064 or visit www.bayhospitalscharity.org