A family fun day for young Addenbrooke’s patients was such a success it is to become an annual event, it was announced today.
Organisers from the paediatric oncology team say the final results from feedback forms are so positive, they are fuelling ambitions to hold something even bigger and better next year.
While the emphasis was on having fun, it was also an opportunity for patients to get active and catch up with their peers after long sedentary spells in hospital undergoing cancer treatments.
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They enjoyed yoga, pilates, music, archery, football, cooking, science and sensory activities and more, supported by various local charities and organisations including Stagecoach performing arts, Park Run and Cambridge United Football Club.
Lead in-patient paediatric physiotherapist, Helen Starace, thanked all who supported the event, and the patients and parents who came along to make it a success. She said:
Afterwards we asked people for feedback and had a wonderful response. Based on that, and comments made on the day, we are already planning to make it an annual event.
We cannot thank enough all those who gave up their own time to help our patients regain a bit confidence, have some exercise in entertaining ways, and do what children do best – have fun!
Helen Starace
The event on Saturday (13 July) comes as Cambridge University Hospital forges ahead with plans for the region’s first dedicated children’s hospital, which will treat mental and physical health and pioneer research. The project has earned the mantra: “A whole new way”. Learn more here (opens in a new tab).