It is with sadness that we learn of the recent death of our friend and colleague Pauline Beard. 

Pauline was a much valued member of the League of Friends for many years. During this time she fulfilled a number of roles, notably working in the Coffee Shop, taking responsibility for the sale of knitted items and as a member of the committee of trustees.

Pauline will be sorely missed. We offer our condolences to her husband Bob, and their family.

On Saturday 2nd May, a group of volunteers got together to tidy up the garden in the quadrangle, outside the coffee shop. We were helped by several members of Redditch Round Table, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, to help us to create a peaceful haven for visitors, patients and staff. Many, many thanks to these kind volunteers, without whom, this transformation wouldn't have been possible. We would also like to thank McDonalds, who, after being approached by members of the Round Table, donated lunch for all of our volunteers.

Many thanks to the Tesco store in Redditch, for the kind donation of nine boxes of brand new books, which were brought to us on Saturday 25th April, by their Customer Experiences Manager, Dale Maxwell. These books will help to raise valuable funds for the League of Friends and we are very grateful for this donation

A specialist ward treating cancer patients has received a £3000 boost, thanks to a Redditch Hairdressers. Cutting Edge salon, in Church Hill, handed over £3087 to League of Friends chairman, Pat Hadley, at the Alexandra Hospital, for the Garden Suite, which provides chemotherapy and other treatments. They raised the money through various fundraising activities, including stylist, Laura Maries having her hair shaved off- all inspired by their long-standing customer, Fiona Davidson, who has been using the Garden Suite for 7 years. Mrs Hadley said "they had done a lot of fundraising to present us with the cheque, which is absolutely fabulous. Any money we can raise is fantastic"

PRESS RELEASE Friday 6 February 2015 Brothers’ 75 mile cycle for hospital ward who cared for father Redditch brothers, Scott and Stuart Few, completed a 75 mile sponsored cycle ride with friends to raise money for new equipment on the hospital ward their father was cared for. The group cycled from Solihull to Oxford in memory of Keith Few. Keith was cared for on Ward 2 at the Alexandra Hospital from November 2013 to February 2014 when he sadly passed away due to complications related to diabetes. His family was so impressed by the care and treatment he received that they felt they should give something back to the ward. Scott said “All the staff on Ward 2 were fantastic. The way they treated my dad was incredible. We noticed the ward were raising money for a new bladder scanner. Whenever dad needed a scan the nurses had to go to other wards to see if they had one available. It just seemed right to help them get their own after the care they’d given dad.” Stuart said “The ride was quite tough; it definitely made us rethink our fitness levels. We didn’t realise it was uphill all the way. I’d still do it again though, it was surprisingly enjoyable!” The Few’s cycle ride raised over £1000 towards the new scanner. The League of Friends at the Alexandra Hospital then topped up the total with an additional £5000 to purchase the equipment. Ward Sister Shirley Hodgetts said “Our lives are so much easier on the ward now. We are able to scan patients as soon as they need, there’s no waiting around for us to find a scanner first. “We are so grateful to the family and the League of Friends for helping us improve the care of our patients.” - ends - For media enquiries, please contact Rebecca Currie, Communications Officer 01905 733759 | rebecca.currie@worcsacute.nhs.uk

Volunteers wanted The League of Friends urgently needs volunteers to work in our Coffee Shop, preferably at evenings and weekends. Staff and patients’ relatives depend on the coffee shop for refreshments, when Quinney's Restaurant is closed, so it is vital that we are able to open as much as possible. For further information, please contact the League of Friends office on 01527 512009, or speak to one of our friendly volunteers. Many thanks for your interest