Lunch club donation benefits young patients at Buckland Hospital

Club members’ cross-generational generosity has improved the experience of young patients at Buckland Hospital in Dover.

Members of the Dover Ladies Luncheon Club decided to wind down their activities at the end of last year, after more than 60 years, in part due to the increasing age of the membership.

One of their last acts was to donate the money left in their bank accounts to a good cause, and they decided to contact the hospital to see if they could support a project for children.

Staff explained that they would like a larger, child-friendly, table and chairs in the waiting area of the children’s assessment unit. After a fact-finding visit, the decision was made to gift £550 to East Kent Hospitals Charity to help fund the new furniture.

Former club secretary Jennifer Van Lens said: “Adeline Reidy and I visited the unit and saw for ourselves what an excellent use of the club’s funds this would be.

“We could not cover the full cost but have made a healthy contribution, which I believe will cover the cost of the table and four chairs.

“Chairman Margaret Barker and every member of the club’s committee was present for the cheque presentation and we have no doubt that the club’s funds could not have gone to a more worthwhile cause.”

Dee Neligan, head of charity for East Kent Hospitals Charity, said: “We are very grateful to the club’s committee and members for thinking of the hospital for their final donation.

“The new furniture will help make the waiting area more comfortable for our young patients and their families.

“It was lovely to be able to show the committee members around the unit and I know although the formal club meetings have ceased, the spirit of friendship will definitely continue.”