Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity is looking back on an extraordinary 2024, a year that saw significant reinvestment of charitable donations into local hospitals, directly benefiting patients, families, and colleagues.
Thanks to the generosity of the local community, businesses, and supporters, the charity has been able to fund vital projects, enhance hospital facilities, and provide additional resources that go beyond what the NHS can offer alone.
It was also a year of remarkable fundraising efforts, with supporters taking on incredible challenges to raise funds for the charity. From three marathon runners and multiple 10K races to two skydiving events, a charity boxing match, and a gruelling 24-hour cycle, individuals and teams went above and beyond to support their local hospitals.
A major highlight of the year was the launch of the Bassetlaw Hospital Emergency Village Appeal, which has already raised nearly £30,000 to support improvements to the hospital’s Children’s Assessment Unit (CAU), Emergency Department (ED), and Assessment & Treatment Centre (ATC).
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board at DBTH, said: “Through the efforts of colleagues, community groups, local businesses, patients’ families and friends, we have been able to invest in projects and equipment in our three hospitals, benefiting patients and staff. We are immensely grateful that this community goes the extra mile to support this trust with charitable fundraising activity. I thank everyone for their generosity for meeting worthy needs.”
These generous contributions have enabled DBTH Charity to fund a range of important initiatives, from advancements in sepsis care and prevention to educational programmes for young people considering careers in healthcare. Support for vulnerable patients has also been a key focus, with the introduction of VIP bags for patients with learning disabilities and ‘H.O.P.E.’ boxes for families separated from their babies. The charity has also invested in significant facility upgrades, including the £40,000 refurbishment of the Bassetlaw Medical Day Unit, increasing capacity and improving patient comfort.
In 2024, with the support of businesses, schools, and the local community, DBTH Charity raised over £300,000.
One of the most notable investments was the £3.6 million acquisition of the Intuitive da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, bringing state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery to the Trust and enabling local cancer patients to receive advanced treatment closer to home. Additionally, the charity’s biggest single donation of the year was a £65,000 legacy gift to the Chatsfield Suite, strengthening support for chemotherapy patients.
DBTH Charity also hosted a range of fundraising events in 2024, including Pyjama Day, two Sponsored Skydives, the Doncaster 10K, and the NHS Big Tea. The most successful fundraiser of the year was the tandem skydive challenge, which raised more than £16,600.
Departments such as the Neonatal Unit, Children’s Ward, Maternity Bereavement Services, Stroke Rehabilitation Team, and The Jasmine Centre have all benefited from the generosity of local donors. The ongoing support of schools, businesses, football teams, and individuals—from council workers to healthcare professionals—has played a crucial role in making these achievements possible.
This dedication was recognised with a Charity of the Year nomination at the Doncaster Business Awards 2024, a testament to the impact of community-driven fundraising. As DBTH Charity reflects on a year of generosity and achievement, it extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed, ensuring local hospitals can continue to provide the best possible care.
