CW+, the charity arm of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date to coincide with the hospital’s thirtieth anniversary.
Thirty at Thirty aims to raise £30m over the next three years to support Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the ongoing delivery of outstanding care to the communities it serves.
The campaign launched on 25th May at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as staff gathered to celebrate the significant milestone. The funds raised from Thirty at Thirty will support the Trust’s two hospital sites (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital) by creating world-class facilities, driving innovation and research, and enhancing patient and staff wellbeing.
Chris Chaney, the Chief Executive of CW+, said: ‘Over the past five years, CW+ and the Trust have worked hand in hand to create some incredible facilities, and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together.
‘But there’s still so much more to do, and we’re asking our friends and community to pull together and help us with this vital work, and enable Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to deliver exceptional care to even more people. We were proud to be part of the 30th birthday celebrations alongside so many dedicated staff and volunteers, and we’re very excited about the future of our amazing hospitals.’
The 30th birthday celebrations opened with a performance by the Chelsea Pensioners, followed by speeches by the Trust’s CEO, Lesley Watts, and Chris Chaney. Staff lined the balconies to sing ‘Happy Birthday’, led by the ChelWest Singers and the Chelsea Pensioners.
To kick-start the fundraising for Thirty At Thirty, 60 intrepid staff took part in a ‘Head for Heights’ abseil from the top of the hospital building, cheered on by their colleagues. Over £40,000 was raised, paving the way for a series of fundraising events taking place over the next three years, as the campaign builds momentum.
Lesley Watts CBE, the CEO of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Since opening in 1993, Chelsea and Westminster has developed into one of the most innovative and highest performing hospitals in the country. I’m so proud of everything that has been achieved in the past 30 years, which would not have been possible without the dedication and skill of our incredible staff.
‘I’m delighted to celebrate this milestone with colleagues, patients and supporters and look forward to continuing to provide safe, compassionate and innovative care as our hospital enters its fourth decade.’
