Bedlingtonshire Golf Club’s generous donation funds a Jolly Trolley for Northumbria Healthcare palliative care ward

Palliative patients will now benefit from a special trolley that provides a range of entertainment thanks to a generous donation.

£5,100 was donated by the golf club after captains Julie Sampson and Dave Pearson chose to raise funds for Wansbeck General Hospital’s palliative care unit.

Both Julie and Dave’s mothers had been patients on the unit, as well as two founding members of the golf club, making this a cause close to their hearts.

With a huge budget to spend on whatever the unit wanted, ward manager Leanne Hale thought a Jolly Trolley would improve their patients’ experience.

The Jolly Trolley is a mobile interactive entertainment trolley which brings the benefits of music and reminiscence, using sensory lights and visuals.

Julie said: “I’m delighted with the money that we’ve raised and that we’ve managed to get the Jolly Trolley.

“It’s fantastic, it looks brilliant. I think it will benefit patients massively going forward.”

The Jolly Trolley is just one example of the work Bright charity carries out to enhance the patient experience across Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The added benefits of a Jolly Trolley are well-recognised, but due to the high cost, it is only through kind donations that Bright are able to bring this positive experience to others.

Leanne said: “We are so excited to start using the Jolly Trolley!

“On the ward, our nutritional assistant often hosts themed events like afternoon teas, cheese, and nibbles, mocktail parties and so on. It always felt like there was something missing – now the addition of the Jolly Trolley will take this to the next level!

“Special thanks have to be given to Bedlingtonshire Golf Club for the very generous donation they gave us which enabled the purchase. We also want to thank our Bright Charity for their ongoing support to enhance the patient experience in palliative care.”