The grant helped to boost fundraising efforts to improve paediatric and bereavement facilities at Airedaile General Hospital in West Yorkshire.
The Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund has awarded funding to support West Yorkshire Police officer Midgley in his and his force’s efforts to support the Airedale General Hospital Emergency Department Appeal, a wider fundraising project with a fundraising goal of £150,000 for the hospital’s paediatric waiting room and bereavement facilities, providing a more supportive environment for families during their most difficult moments.
Supporting families through times of need
The Airedale General Hospital Emergency Department Appeal was established to address a need for improved facilities within the hospital’s three main areas. An emergency department can be a frightening and overwhelming place for a child. By improving the paediatric waiting area, the appeal aims to create a calming, family-friendly space that helps reduce anxiety for young patients and their families.
The enhancement of the bereavement facilities, too, ensures that families facing the loss of a loved one have access to a private and dignified environment. Darren, the officer and lead who contacted the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund, explained the project: “We were lucky enough to be awarded funding from the community fund to support our fundraising efforts for the Airedale General Hospital Emergency Dept Appeal, which aims to raise funds to improve the paediatric waiting room and bereavement facilities.”
A collaborative effort for the community
The success of the fundraiser serves as a demonstration of how local emergency service teams often work in tandem, complementing each other’s efforts to support the wider community. As a police officer, Darren recognised the importance of supporting healthcare colleagues at Airedale General Hospital. High-quality care requires high-quality infrastructure.
Any fundraising campaign involves coordination and community engagement. The support from the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund gave the fundraiser the boost it needed to reach a substantial milestone. As Darren noted: “With the help of the Community fund we were able to raise over £7,000 for the cause.” Funds have been directed towards specific environmental improvements that target the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those entering the hospital.
The human side of healthcare
The impact of the Airedale General Hospital Emergency Department Appeal and its donation from West Yorkshire Police extends to the most sensitive areas of our healthcare system. In a medical setting, waiting rooms and quiet suites can be the difference between a traumatic experience and a moment of peace.
Darren emphasised the long-term benefit of these new facilities: “This money has gone directly to the appeal which will help children and their families in their time of need and also help those families when the worst has happened.”
By improving these dedicated spaces, the appeal ensures that the Emergency Department is equipped to handle the human side of healthcare. Well-designed spaces tailored to paediatric patients and their families allows staff to provide more holistic support – in turn helping the staff themselves feel more supported in their roles.
The strength of those who serve and protect
Serve and Protect Credit Union and the Community Fund are built on the principle of supporting those who work in the police, healthcare, and other protective services. By funding the West Yorkshire Police Force’s efforts, the Community Fund has helped bridge the gap between two essential public services – the police and the NHS – for the benefit of the employees and those they serve.
Darren expressed his appreciation for the assistance: “I can’t thank Serve and Protect enough for their time and support shown.” The successful raise of over £7,000 is testament to what can be achieved when different sectors of the Serve and Protect community come together to support a common goal.
About the Airedale Hospital & Community Charity
The Airedale Hospital & Community Charity Emergency Department Appeal aims to raise £150,000 to upgrade facilities, focusing on a revamped children’s waiting area, improved paediatric resuscitation, and better bereavement facilities. The project enhances patient care through specialised improvements supported by community fundraising efforts like raffles and charity events.
The Airedale Hospital & Community Charity is a registered charity, reg no. 1050730. For more information, click here.
About the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund
Friends of Serve and Protect is an incorporated association established for the benefit of individuals, organisations and communities served by Serve and Protect Credit Union. Funded by the Friends of Serve and Protect Lottery, Reg No – 4866, the Community Fund was established in 2024 to provide funding for projects and initiatives that support the greater community good of those who Serve and Protect. From wellbeing spaces to helping injured keyworkers through rehabilitation, the Community Fund helps make a difference to those who need it.
Funding is open to Serve and Protect members and must be for the direct benefit of the Serve and Protect community. For more information, click here.
