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The Bristol Hippodrome joins forces with National Friendly to fund long-Covid research
Working together with Southmead Hospital’s official charity, Southmead Hospital Charity, National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome are embarking on a fundraising appeal that aims to raise £30,000 to support the Long-Covid research now taking place at the hospital.
The research, known as DISCOVER study, has recruited over 300 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 since March 2020. It was the first UK cohort published, meaning this is the group that has been studied for the longest time.
Renowned for world-leading research through its specialist Research & Innovation Centre, each year 7,000 patients take part in over 500 research studies, with some made possible thanks to the donations of community partners like National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome.
Kurtis Reece, National Friendly’s PR & Strategic Partnerships Executive explained why they are backing the efforts to understand more about the virus. “We have been helping people to prepare for life’s contingencies for over 150-years, by insuring people’s health and providing them with protection.”
“So, looking after those around us, especially within the Bristol community, our hometown, is the very essence of who we are. Our aim is to make a real difference to people’s lives and this partnership with The Bristol Hippodrome to raise funds for Southmead Hospital Charity will help to do exactly that.”
“In 2019, we managed to raise over £26,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Southmead Hospital, so we are confident we can do the same for a something that has truly affected everyone – Covid-19.”
A team of renowned researchers from Southmead Hospital is working hard to find out more about Covid-19 and its long-term effects. Credit: National Friendly
National Friendly is the lead sponsor for The Bristol Hippodrome’s innovative Matinee Mingle aimed at the over 60s and their Creative Learning Programme, which will offer Bristol-based schools the opportunity to enhance and develop students through high-quality experiences.
Southmead Hospital Charity will benefit from a concentrated fundraising campaign, across a 12-week period which will begin on November 9 and will end on February 12.
For audiences, the fundraising will start with Heather’s The Musical followed by a number of performances including Riverdance and Hairspray. It will continue at the annual pantomime, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. It will also include Dreamgirls and will continue throughout many other shows across the year.
National Friendly is also running an exclusive online competition with The Bristol Hippodrome, which will see five family tickets go up for grabs for the pantomime performance, which will be used as part of a social media campaign.
Ben Phillips, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Theatre Director, said, “We have a really exciting roster of shows over the next 12 months and we look forward to working with National Friendly and Southmead Hospital to support this crucial research into Long-Covid.”
“Our theatre is a place of happiness, so it’s been difficult throughout the pandemic not being able to offer any of the wonderful live entertainment we host here. We know that by understanding more about Covid-19, we can take steps to prevent its spread, so we can continue to do what we do best – bring delight and culture to the city we love and those who live here.“
To support National Friendly’s fundraising efforts with The Bristol Hippodrome, visit www.southmeadhospitalcharity.enthuse.com/cf/bristol-hippodrome-national-friendly.
Main photo: National Friendly
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