The Stoma & Colorectal Care Team hosted a successful coffee morning at the YMa Centre, Pontypridd, raising over £700 to support stoma patients. Attended by patients, families, and local charities, the event also launched the Bowel Butties fundraising campaign.
In September, the Royal Glamorgan Hospital Stoma & Colorectal Care Team hosted a highly successful fundraising coffee morning at the newly opened YMa Centre in Pontypridd, raising over £700 in support of stoma and colorectal patients. The event brought together CTM UHB staff, patients and their families, and organisations supporting stoma care for a morning of coffee, cake, and conversation, all in the name of a positive cause.
A stoma is an opening in the body created during surgery, typically on the abdomen, to allow waste to leave the body when normal routes are not functioning correctly. Living with a stoma can present daily challenges, and the Stoma & Colorectal Care Team, in partnership with local stoma patient support group Rhondda Buddies, has been organising these coffee mornings for years to create a supportive, informal environment where patients and their families can feel less isolated.
The event also featured Macmillan Cancer Support, Tenovus Cancer Care, and Coalfields Regeneration Trust, who attended to support with additional resources and advice.
Helen Wilson, Macmillan Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: "These coffee mornings are vital, not just for fundraising, but for building a support network for our patients. Living with a stoma can be challenging, so having the chance to meet others in similar situations and learn about new products and services can be life-changing. The funds raised will go directly towards buying equipment that will improve the care we provide, making hospital stays more comfortable for our patients. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and particularly our venue, the YMa, for hosting and making us all feel welcome."
In addition to the coffee morning, the team recently launched a new fundraising initiative called "Bowel Butties", to further support the Stoma Care Team at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. The campaign will raise funds to enhance patient care and services for those living with a stoma. To learn more or donate, visit the Bowel Butties campaign page.
All CTM UHB services and hospitals that receive donations are supported by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity, which is the only official charity to support NHS staff and patients across Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Our CTM NHS Charity improves the lives of local people and those that care for them, by providing support that is not normally funded by the NHS. Once a donation is received, the Charity liaises with local staff to use the funds on new equipment, wellbeing resources, additional training, and much more.
Abe Sampson, Head of Charity & Income Generation for CTM UHB commented: “Support from fundraisers like this, allows our Charity to work with staff and support the service over and above what the NHS could normally provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and donated. With over £700 raised, the event will have a meaningful impact on both the care provided by the team and the wellbeing of the patients who rely on their services.”
Any staff or community members looking to fundraise for their local hospitals or services across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board can do so through the Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity – please contact ctm.charity@wales.nhs.uk for more information.
13/11/2024
