Member Article

Grace Research Fund's hosts seventh annual Graduates Party

The seventh annual Graduates Party raised its highest ever total for the Grace Research Fund.

The rain stayed away as around 200 premature babies who have been cared for in the neonatal unit at the University Hospital in Coventry and their families attended the popular get-together.

About £1,100 was raised from the afternoon of fun held in the former social club garden at the Coventry hospital in Walsgrave for the Grace Research Fund which funds research into premature births and the best forms of neonatal care at the University Hospital and the University of Warwick.

There was a bouncy castle, balloon race, donkey rides, photo booth, tombola, refreshments, stalls including cakes and sweets and a magician show.

There were many generous donations of prizes that included two tickets from Coventry City FC for a home league game during the 2014/15 season as part of the raffle prizes.

Reena Singh, neonatal sister, and Dr Andy Coe, consultant paediatrician, both at University Hospital, said the graduates’ party was among the highlights of the Grace Research Fund’s fundraising calendar.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for nurses and doctors to catch-up with the progress of babies and their families who we cared for at the neonatal unit when they were very ill,” Reena said.

“It is always remarkable how much they have grown and blossomed into toddlers or young children.

“We are grateful to everyone who came along to join in the fun in the sun and for raising such a fantastic amount of money which will enable the Grace Research Fund to continue their valuable work.

“We awarded certificates to the graduates and all the money we raised will go towards supporting medical research into premature births.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .