Big Dan Burn makes donation to hospital charity

Newcastle and England footballer, Dan Burn, has visited his local hospital to see the impact of his kind donation to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s charity.

Dan visited Blyth Community Hospital’s children’s outpatient department after donating to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.

His generous contribution has funded a colourful gaming room, which has gaming equipment, a large screen television and some gaming chairs.

The defender was welcomed to the hospital last week to see the newly kitted out gaming room and he met staff, patients and their families.

Nadia Conway, matron at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “It is so special that Dan has taken an interest in the hospital in his hometown and has taken time out of his really busy schedule to visit us. Our staff, patients and their families were delighted to see him! He was so friendly and really good fun.

“The gaming equipment he has funded will help older children, who may be anxious when they attend their hospital appointments, to feel more relaxed. It is incredibly kind of Dan and we really appreciate it.”

Dan last visited Blyth Community Hospital a year and a half ago to officially open the newly refurbished children’s outpatient and adult’s inpatient wards.

Dan said: “It’s great to be back at the hospital. After chatting with some children, it is really good to hear that the gaming room is making a difference to them and helping them to feel more comfortable about being in a hospital environment. I’m just pleased nobody asked me to play as I haven’t been on a gaming console for a while!”

The footballer left his mark on the gaming room by signing ‘keep smiling’ on the wall alongside his signature. He was on the outpatient unit for about an hour and brightened people’s day by having photos taken with them, signing shirts and giving out signed cards.

Gemma Barrington, fundraising manager for Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, said: “It is the generosity of supporters and donors, like Dan, that enables the charity to do lots of different projects, including improving our hospital environments for patients. This helps to improve patient experience. It was great to welcome him to our hospital in Blyth, and we thank him so much for what he has enabled us to do and for his kindness and time.”

Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity is a registered charity which was formed in 1998. Donations support projects which make a huge difference to patients and staff. These include improving patient and staff environments, supporting staff wellbeing and education, buying medical equipment, funding research and helping to tackle health inequalities.

To find out more about the charity visit www.bright.northumbria.nhs.uk.

Dan Burn started his senior career in the North East in 2009 at Darlington, moved down south and then returned to his home region when he was signed to play for Newcastle United in 2022.