KCHC-AR-2023 Final Signed - Flipbook - Page 30
How did we do?
Turning grief into
a lasting legacy
For many of our supporters, their fundraising
activity is part of a process of transforming heartbreaking loss into something that will bring lasting
benefits to other patients and families.
One of the Charity’s strategic goals is to enable more
people to raise funds to remember loved ones. During
the year, we began a thorough review of our In Memory
fundraising, while taking immediate steps to create new
fundraising opportunities and work in partnership with
bereaved families to generate change.
The Dobsons’ story: running, cycling and
dancing in Evelyn's memory
Jonathan and Alexandra Dobson’s daughter, Evelyn
Rose, was born in the early morning of 9 September
2021. “All seemed to be well and we were allowed home
to start life as a family of four. However, less than 24
hours later, we realised something wasn't right and
she was admitted to our local paediatrics ward,” says
Jonathan. “A week or so later, it became apparent that
something was seriously wrong with her liver. She was
rushed to King's College Hospital, where another team of
incredible people did everything they could to save her
and give her a chance to live.
“However, despite the many tests and treatments, on
the afternoon of 20 September, Evelyn’s heart stopped.
Thankfully Alexandra and I were with her and our
gorgeous little girl was allowed to have much needed
peace away from the beeping machines and hospital
wards.
Holiday Extras' staff took
on the Great Hospital Hike
as part of "Team Evie".
"We know the clinical care Evelyn received in her 11 days
of life was incredible. However one thing we did notice
and felt we could help to improve was the facilities
provided to parents with very ill children. We also want to
explore ways we can make the staff rooms nicer so that
when the incredible nurses and doctors - who have blown
us away with their dedication and hard shift work - do
manage to take a break, it can be in a more restorative
environment.”
As well as taking on the London Marathon, the London
Landmarks Half Marathon and the Great Hospital Hike,
Jonathan Dobson and his family took on a London to
Brighton cycle ride and held Evelyn’s Ball in memory of
their beautiful daughter. Together, the family
has raised £23,000 so far, and plans to cycle all
the way from Land’s End
to John O’Groats
next year.
Clockwise, right:
Team Dobson at the
London to Brighton
Bike ride and London
Landmarks Half
Marathon
We are looking to
raise money to improve the
facilities for parents of children
who are on the intensive care ward
at King's, but also to raise awareness
of the importance of these facilities
for parents going through the
worst hours of their lives.
Jonathan Dobson
Image, left: Evelyn Rose with her older brother.
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S U P P O R T K I N G S .O R G .U K
