“The more you give and the more you get.”
That was the message from Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, who addressed members of the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity 100 Club event at Manningham Mills, Bradford.
Manoj, who arrived in the UK as a Ugandan refugee when he was a young boy, gave a moving and inspirational speech about his humble roots, his passion for Bradford, and how – despite all his philanthropic work – he feels he can always do more.
“People ask me why I do it. It’s not for the awards and recognition, although sometimes I do get these and they are very humbling. My inspiration is to do good. Every single person can make a difference,” he said.
Dr Ben Wetherell, a consultant anaesthetist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, demonstrated the brand new video laryngoscopes funded by Bradford Hospitals’ Charity and its supporters. The video laryngoscopes vastly improve safety and comfort for patients undergoing general anaesthetic surgery and when they need help with breathing. They also bring much better training opportunities for clinicians because they increase visibility for anaesthetists.
Dr Wetherell thanked Bradford Hospitals’ Charity for ensuring that all surgical theatres across Bradford Teaching Hospitals now have the upgraded laryngoscopes and explained it would not be possible without supporters such as 100 Club members.
Guests were given the chance to try using a laryngoscope on a mannequin, with varying success!
New Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, Lisa Williams, introduced herself to guests, and Director Sharon Milner expressed her gratitude to existing members for attending, as well as guests who attended because they were interested in joining.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people and businesses supporting our work,” said Sharon. “We love these events because it’s a fantastic opportunity to catch-up, network, and to shine a light on the projects and equipment you are helping us fund.
“We’re excited to see our membership grow, and to see businesses from so many different sectors. This brings some fantastic networking opportunities and, we hope, will encourage others to join us on this journey.”
Dean Peltier, Director at Watsons Building Services, attended the event with colleagues.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event,” he said. “There was an interesting mix of energetic people from a real variety of businesses and backgrounds. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and it is always a pleasure to support the NHS and see how 100 Club members are helping to fund life-saving equipment.”
The Bradford Hospitals’ Charity 100 Club combines philanthropic giving with business networking. Members pay an annual fee of £1,000, which enables Bradford Hospitals’ Charity to fund life-saving equipment to enhance hospital services and projects which improve patient experience. Members have the opportunity to network with fellow members, hospital executives, doctors and nurses, and the charity team which supports Bradford Teaching Hospitals. They receive regular news about fundraising and impact, and a leaf on the Giving Tree, situated in the main concourse of Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Anyone interested in joining the 100 Club should call Lisa Williams, Head of Fundraising, on 01274 274809.