Hospital counts down to official Christmas lights switch on

For the first year ever, Derriford Hospital now has a five metre Christmas tree, located outside the main entrance.

This year, members of the public and staff will be able to sprinkle some Gold Dust at Christmas and hang a bauble on the tree, with words dedicated to someone special, in aid of the Gold Dust Appeal.

Over the weekend, the tree and lights, kindly donated by Indigo, were installed, ready for the official light switch on event, happening on Wednesday 2 December from 4.30pm.

A special, long-term patient from our Children’s Wards, alongside Nick Thomas, Deputy Chief Executive, will be switching on the lights and will be joined by Thornbury School and Off Key Singing Club, who will be performing carols. Complementary refreshments will also be provided by retailers Serco, Warren’s, Marks & Spencer and the Derriford Health and Leisure Centre.

Kirsty Wavish, Facilities Programme Manager, said: “I would like to welcome members of the public and staff throughout the Trust to join in with the celebrations next week and come along for the Christmas light switch on!

“I would like to thank Indigo for donating the tree and the lights and all of the retailers that are supporting us. The evening will be enjoyable for all, and I hope that it will put smiles on faces for patients and visitors that come to Derriford Hospital this Christmas.”

Emma Cronin, Gold Dust Appeal Fundraising Manager, said: “In return for a donation, anyone can dedicate a bauble to someone, whether it’s in memory of a lost loved one or just because someone is special to them, like a member of their family or friends. It’s something different that people can do for Christmas and a really lovely way of acknowledging someone who means a lot to them.

“We’re really grateful to Indigo for supporting the appeal in this way and I look forward to seeing the Christmas tree fill up with thoughtful messages, raising funds to go towards creating bright, exciting and welcoming wards for children and young people at Derriford Hospital.”

If you would like to dedicate a message, please collect a form from the main reception on level 6, email plh-tr.GoldDustAppeal@nhs.net or call 01752 432425. Alternatively, you can send your message or wish through social media, comment on the Gold Dust Appeal Facebook Page or tweet - @golddustappeal.

Following this, there are then three ways to donate. Please:

• TEXT: by texting DUST97 followed by your donation to 70070

For example: DUST97 £2. You can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5, or £10

• JUSTGIVING: It is really easy to donate through Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/Golddust/  

• CASH: There are Gold Dust collection tins on the main reception
The messages will be written onto baubles and added to the tree by staff at Derriford Hospital.