Holy Cross brings the festival spirit to patients
Holy Cross Hospital’s much-loved annual summer festival has once again proved a hit, with patients enjoying a week of live music, entertainment and festival-themed activities.
To set the scene, patients started the week creating colourful flags and banners to decorate the performance stage. Festival fashion including henna hand art, braided hair, face painting, nail art, and handmade bracelets added to the vibrant atmosphere.
Every day brought a fresh line-up of live entertainment from magic, comedy, balloon art, meditation and a sound bath to an impressive range of musical performances. Audiences enjoyed everything from piano, soul, R&B and jazz trombone to a live DJ set and more.
“We have 42 patients with us for rehabilitation following serious illness, injury, or surgery,” says Frances Campion-Smith, Chief Executive at Holy Cross. “Many of our patients love music but attending festivals or concerts isn’t possible so we bring the music to them. Music is processed in many parts of the brain making it a wonderful and inclusive therapy tool that everyone can enjoy.”
The festival concluded with a special visit from the deputy Mayor of Haslemere, Councillor Jacquie Keen and a grand finale performance for patients, friends and family by professional pianist and singer, Ollie Hutton. There was also a raffle with prizes donated by many local businesses including Grayshott Pottery, Savills, Cook, The Lion’s Den, The Haslemere Bookshop, Marley Flowers, Verdley Flowers, The Links Tavern, Bells Stores and Merecuts.
The raffle and the week’s activities raised over £1,300 for future patient activities. Frances Campion-Smith says: “I am so grateful to the many people who were involved in making the festival such a resounding success. In particular, I would like to give my personal thanks to the musicians who generously gave their time including Leon Dixon, Peter Smart, Bobby and Steve, and Ollie Hutton. My thanks also go to Carolyn Calvert Nutrition for donating £500 from a sound bath experience which Carolyn hosted at Quay Swim in Mytchett and to Dylan’s for the delicious ice cream which was served to patients and families. Finally, I would like to thank the local businesses who donated so many wonderful prizes for the raffle. There were some amazing items which really helped to boost ticket sales.”
Taking part in activities helps patients to stretch their rehabilitation goals. Holy Cross relies on the generosity of volunteers and supporters to make this possible and warmly welcomes new helpers. For more information about volunteering, including those seeking a volunteering placement for their Duke of Edinburgh Award, contact Chelsea Levers, PA to the CEO, on 01428 64331, email [email protected] or visit www.holycross.org.uk/volunteering.