Published 23 February 2023
Dozens more families are set to benefit from a project helping dying patients’ wishes come true, thanks to a charity ball.
The event was organised by Kent-based construction firm Bauvill and raised more than £13,000 for the 3 Wishes Project at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
Bauvill chose the project as their charity of the year and plan to continue supporting it in future. So far they have raised more than £30,700.
Director Matt Gurr said: “This hospital means a lot to us as a company and we are delighted to be able to give something back for the benefit of staff and patients.
“I hope other companies will join us in our support of the 3 Wishes Project – it is clear to see it makes a huge difference to the experience of families with loved ones at the end of their life in the critical care unit.”
East Kent Hospitals was the first UK trust to pilot the 3 Wishes Project, which has since been rolled out to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
It allows medical staff to grant ‘wishes’ to patients at the end of their life, from making keepsakes for families to encouraging connection with relatives, friends or pets.
Critical care consultant Ruth Tighe said: “We are totally overwhelmed with the support from Bauvill, which has enabled the project to grow and help even more families.
“Already more than 50 patients have benefited from the 3 Wishes Project and it is helping us practice medicine and nursing in a different way, with truly personalised care.
“It is so rewarding to be able to help create meaningful moments thanks to the project and we are looking forward to seeing it develop thanks to this fantastic donation.”
The project is funded by East Kent Hospitals Charity, with staff members staging fundraising events in addition to the generous donations from Bauvill.
Senior charity projects officer Dee Neligan said: “We are so delighted to have the support of Bauvill and have been amazed at how much they have managed to raise in their first year supporting the project.
“This additional donation is wonderful and we would like to thank everyone who attended the ball and gave so generously to support this project and allow our teams to help even more families.”
