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Golf day helps patients' wishes come true

The Bauvill golf day. Image shows a group of people holding a giant cheque. One is also holding a trophy

Published 23 May 2022

Hospital staff will be able to grant more wishes for patients dying in critical care, thanks to a donation from construction firm Bauvill.

The firm has chosen the 3 Wishes Project at the William Harvey Hospital as its charity of the year and has already donated £10,000. That total was boosted by £7,400 following a charity day at Ashford Golf Club.

The hospital is the first in the country to pilot the project, which was founded in Ontario, Canada, and also used at UCLA in America. It allows staff to grant ‘wishes’ to patients who die in the critical care unit, which can range from creating a personalised environment in hospital with photos, lighting and music, to making keepsakes for families, or arranging visits for family pets.

Consultant Dr Ruth Tighe said: “We are hugely grateful to Matt Gurr and the rest of the team at Bauvill for having our project at the heart of this fantastic charity event.

“We are overwhelmed by their support and generous donations, which will allow us to continue developing the project and providing truly personalised care for patients and relatives who die in critical care at our hospitals.

“So far we have been able to help dozens of families and each time it has provided comfort and care as they face their loved one’s death.”

More than 70 players took part in the golf day, including a team from the hospital, and there were challenges for each hole to complete.

Dee Neligan, senior charity officer at East Kent Hospitals Charity, said the money would make a real difference.

She said: “A huge amount of work went into organising this fantastic charity event and we were delighted with the amount it raised.

“The 3 Wishes Project is helping our staff deliver the best possible care to critical care patients at the end of their lives and, thanks to Bauvill, more families will be able to benefit from the project in future.”