3 August 2007
The star of the blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy, Goldeneye and TV’s Sharpe, planted a tree to mark the occasion in front of an excited crowd of hospital staff and patients. Taking time out from his busy shooting schedule, Sean launched the appeal which aims to raise £150,000 to fully equip a much-needed new leukaemia ward and day rooms within the hospital.
As well as providing all the vital life-saving equipment for the new specialist unit, the funds raised will help to improve the surroundings and facilities available to those patients receiving care in isolation rooms - where they can often spend months at a time.
Emma Dickens, Head of Fundraising for Sheffield Hospitals Charitable Trust, said: “We are thrilled that Sean Bean has been able to take the time to give us his support today. The Sheffield Leukaemia and Blood Disorders Appeal will bring huge improvements to the care and treatment of patients, from across South Yorkshire and beyond, for years to come.
“Not only will this appeal fund all of the specialised equipment required on the ward, but it will also aid in patients’ recovery by providing an environment that is more like a home from home,” she said. “We’re all thrilled that Sean has agreed to be an ambassador for our appeal, and are very grateful that he was able to come along and lend some star power to today’s launch.”
This is the first appeal to be launched by Sheffield Hospitals Charitable Trust since the establishment of a new fundraising department. Anyone interested in finding out more about the charity and its work can visit the new website at www.shctonline.org.uk.