Better Business / Member news
Over £15,000 raised for Long Covid research
Bristol Hippodrome, National Friendly and Southmead Hospital Charity have raised £15,013 for Long Covid research after 12 weeks of fundraising.
Speaking about the campaign, Adrian Brown, Community and Events Manager at Southmead Hospital Charity said: “If we want to control Coronavirus, we must develop our knowledge of how the virus spreads, the symptoms it causes and its long-term impact. The research happening here at Southmead will play an important role in that.
“National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome know just how important it is to support the local community they serve and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”
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Money has been raised from online donations, collection buckets and tap to donate machines that have been situated throughout the Hippodrome since November 2021.
Pantomime stars Lesley Johnson and Andy Ford also got involved during performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The pair recorded voice messages that were played at the theatre throughout the festive season and asking audience members to donate.
Left to right: Rob Rinder, Lesley Joseph, Kurtis Reece, Charlotte Haines, Adrian Brown, Dale Mathurin, Andy Ford – photo: National Friendly
Ben Phillips, theatre director of the Hippodrome, noted the importance of giving back to the community, saying: “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our audiences have continued to give generously to a worthy cause that will make a real difference to those suffering from Long-Covid in our community and beyond.”
He added: “The majority of fundraising took place during the festive season, when we welcomed record numbers through our doors, highlighting the public’s unwavering appetite for live entertainment.”
A spokesperson for National Friendly said: “Helping people to prepare for life’s uncertainties is at the heart of what we do. National Friendly has been ensuring people’s health and providing them with protection for over 150 years.”
“Looking after those around us, especially within the Bristol community is the very essence of who we are. Together we have raised a fantastic amount which will help fund vital research to help improve the health, safety and well-being of those currently living with and for those caring for people with Long-Covid within our community.”
The symptoms of Long Covid can be wide-ranging, long-lasting and, for some, life changing. An estimated 1.3 million people in the UK have now reported having Long Covid according to a survey conducted by the ONS.
To donate, visit: www.southmeadhospitalcharity.enthuse.com/cf/bristol-hippodrome-national-friendly
Main photo: National Friendly
Read more: Review: The Lion King, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘A Roaring Delight’
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