A local family has completed an epic charity cycle ride in memory of Mary Fortune, and raised £2,016 for Parry ward at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
Mary Fortune was a patient on Parry Ward where she sadly passed away earlier this year.
Mary’s family were so grateful for the care that not only she received, but also the love and compassion given to the family, that they decided to cycle to the place Mary loved most, Devon, where her husband John was born.
Mary’s son-in-law Paul Bernard, grandsons Robert, Ryan and Ashley Bernard and family friends Jason Side and Matt Allway raised £2,016 for the ward by cycling 111 miles Bristol to Babbacombe.
The ward has used the funds to buy toiletries, underwear, nightwear and clothes that will help to send patients home more appropriately dressed when they’ve had an unexpected stay in hospital.
Several digital radios have also been bought so that patients who are bed bound can keep in touch with news and events.
The fundraising effort by Mary’s family allowed Parry ward to purchase a recliner chair as well, which will provide comfort for relatives, who stay with their loved ones for long hours or overnight on the ward.
Alison Bello, Senior Sister said: “It was a privilege to care for Mary and her family, and we are pleased they felt they had the right care and support at such a difficult time.
“The staff discussed what they felt would be helpful to purchase for the ward patients and especially for those who have no family or visitors or are very vulnerable.”
Alison continued: “Mary’s family has given us a wonderful and generous gift that will make a huge difference to the care we can provide for our patients and we can ensure they are comfortable and feel more appropriately dressed during their stay and on discharge or transfer from here.
“On behalf of myself and the team we’re really grateful and appreciates the effort and participation by many people to enable the ward to benefit from the family’s generosity.”
Mary’s daughter Jan and grandson Ashley delivered the toiletries, radios and clothing on behalf of the family on 15th August.
They also gave the hospital an Xbox and a selection of children’s toys and books, which will be shared with the A&E department and the Children’s ward.
