Dedicated patient delivers fundraising goal of a new dialysis machine
A patient at Broomfield Hospital’s Renal Unit has raised £15,000 for a new dialysis machine that is helping enhance care for fellow patients.
Gloria Nichols, from Brentwood, has been a patient at the unit for the past 11 years and undergoes dialysis twice a week.
She said: “I wanted to fundraise to help the renal unit get the latest model which makes for a better patient experience. It’s great to see it in action and is helping make a real difference to patient care.”
Gloria organised her fundraising campaign with support from her own Rotary Clubs (Brentwood Breakfast and Shenfield and Shenfield and District) as well as other local Rotary Clubs, Kidney Care UK, and from other generous individual donors.
Linda Lio, Head of Broomfield Renal Nursing, expressed her gratitude for Gloria's fundraising efforts, which allowed the purchase of an additional dialysis machine. Her donation complements the NHS's purchase of the same machines across the Trust's Renal units.
She said: “The new machines have made our training the same across all sites and have greatly improved the dialysis experience for our patients. They offer better monitoring and help prevent issues like sudden drops in blood pressure, making the treatment process calmer and more comfortable for patients."
Surplus funds from Gloria’s Broomfield Hospital campaign are set to help even more renal patients, supporting their wellbeing through regular raffles and annual day trips.
Last year, a trip to Felixstowe gave patients and their carers a day out, with one lady, who hadn’t been out in four years, finding immense joy in the experience. This year, the group will visit Broadstairs in late March, further enriching the lives of those living with kidney conditions.
Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services at Mid and South Essex Hospital’s Charity, said: “It is lovely to recognise Gloria’s amazing fundraising and support for our renal patients. Gloria’s determination in raising such a large sum of money in just one year really does go to show the strength of our supporters. We cannot thank her enough for all that she continues to do for our renal unit patients.”
Well-known for her fundraising efforts, in addition to being the president of her local Women’s Institute, Gloria is an ambassador for Mary’s Meals. That impressive initiative feeds over 2.5 million under privileged children and has also provided several blood pressure monitors to hospitals in Sri Lanka.