Platinum anniversary for hospital charity

DUMFRIES Hospitals League of Friends marked its 70 year anniversary with a celebratory afternoon tea at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Dozens of the charity's members attended the event earlier last month, along with the group's retiring chair Adeline Hill and newly appointed chair David Bryson. The League of Friends first began their work in 1955, funded by donations and bequests and the proceeds of sales from two trolley shops, visiting in-patients and providing them with some small home comforts. Since then, the charity has raised over £1.3 million to support patients, their families, and staff, and contributed £15,000 towards the first in-hospital unit in Scotland to specialise in end of life care – The Alexandria Unit - which opened at DGRI in 1986. Reflecting on the milestone, retiring group chair Adeline Hill said:“I’m delighted to have reached this anniversary in my role as Chair for twelve years and shop convener for twenty two years. I couldn’t have done this without the hard work and support of members and volunteers past and present and who I have had years of friendship with. The anniversary has made it an extra special time to be retiring and handing over to the new chair. Looking ahead, David Bryson, commented: “In this milestone anniversary year it has been so important for the charity to acknowledge the support provided by its members and volunteers past and present. “The charity has generated funds in excess of £1.3 million since its inception to support the patient experience and staff wellbeing. We aim to continue to provide this support for many years and this is made possible with the generosity of donations and the time and commitment of our volunteers.” Congratulating the group on their impressive milestone, Julie White, Chief Executive, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, added: “Congratulations and a huge thank you to the Dumfries Hospitals League of Friends charity. They are invaluable to us as an organisation and to so many of our patients and staff. I’m delighted that their members and volunteers could gather together at DGRI to celebrate the anniversary."