The Jessie May Caring at Work Networking Event on International Nurses Day
The Jessie May Caring at Work Networking Event on International Nurses Day
I was delighted to be asked to help at this event – as an MC (no red jacket, no affiliation to any Toast masters groups!) – more as someone who addresses groups of people for a living!
The setting was the Simply Health Offices, Redland Hill, Bristol – what a setting – unbeatable views of Bristol, superb facilities and a staff team who were so helpful.
The event began with a welcome from Jamie Wilson –Simply Health’s Customer Director – who spoke about how Simplyhealth has supported The Jessie May Trust for a number of years – and this event was another way in which they were! Jamie also mentioned the view….
which appeared again when Chris Roys – CEO Jessie May Trust – spoke to the audience of 50 people on why we are here. Chris began with the view that encompasses all of the 82 children and families that Jessie May look after currently support and also the 29 families who have lost their children. Chris spoke about the the 6 C’s and how Jessie May Trust was going to be starting in Bath.
There then followed some networking with drinks and canapes (given by Chandos Deli) with strolling magician Mark Leveridge entertaining with a message the people there – from some magic with cards a Jessie May pin appeared!
The high point of the evening was when Alex Lovell – Patron of The Jessie May Trust (and BBC Newsreader for Points West) talked to Faith Tutton – mother of Sophie. Faith spoke about the way in which her life had been transformed when Sophie was diagnosed with Retts syndrome. Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 12,000 females (it is rarely seen in boys). It causes severe physical and mental disability that begins in early childhood.
Faith spoke about how for the first few months of the Sophie’s life all was normal and then Sophie developed the symptons that led to the diagnosis of Retts. Motor control is severely affected, including walking and use of hands, and in some cases eating and swallowing. Epilepsy and seizures are present in over half of all cases. A defining symptom of the condition is compulsive hand movements in a washing or wringing manner. Irregular breathing and extreme anxiety are common. Gastro-intestinal issues lead to weight loss and a feeding tube is often required.
And this is where The Jessie May Trust comes in – Helen one of the team of Jessie May nurses spoke about how she joined the charity and the way in which she supports Faith, her husband and family (and may other families). Faith spoke about the way in which The Jessie May Trust have supported them with real hands on help with nurse’s like Helen coming round and providing respite care; the fact that help, support and advice is available on the phone and how Sophie smiles when she is in the care of one of the Jessie May nurses.
Alex finally spoke to Richard Finn – GM at the Hilton Hotel in Bristol. The team have chosen The Jessie May Trust as their charity to support for the second year running. Richard talked about the fundraising that they have done – sky diving, bed pushing, cake baking…..
-
I’ve just been interviewed by @alexlovelltv from #bbcpointswest on @HiltonBristol supporting @jessiemaytrust My life’s complete.
-
@FinnRichy Was a pleasure meeting you and hearing about your hair-raising fundraising! @jessiemaytrust
It was great to see William Wood from Datasharp hand over their cheque for £1000 in support as a finale to the evening
Richy 
Alex Lovell 
Among those that attended the event were Jessie May Trust Trustees, Jessie May Trust nurses, Jessie May Trust support team, Directors from Simplyhealth, Caring at Work supporters – see the Tweet below from Richard from Bristol’s Hilton Hotel, BITC Connects supporters (part of Lloyds Bank) and other businesses and supporters.
Here’s to the 2015 event – meanwhile…………………
How you can help
Time for Tea
Every penny raised will support the vital work of Jessie May Nurses who care for local terminally ill children in their own homes, using all their skills and experience to ensure they, and their families, can make the most of the precious remaining time they have together.
Will you put the kettle on?
The Jessie May Caring at Work £1000 Challenge
How your Business can make a difference
Could your business raise £1,000 to help sponsor a Jessie May Nurse?
Jessie May Nurses use their incredible skills to enrich children’s short lives and provide high quality care for the whole family. It’s vitally important that, when a child does eventually die, their family has lots of positive memories to look back on.
Caring at Work is a new initiative enabling local business to support local families. In return for your commitment to raise £1,000 to help sponsor a Jessie May Nurse we’ll support your business every step of the way and promote your involvement with us through the local press, radio and TV which in turn will raise your company profile in the local area. Your customers and suppliers will see how seriously you take your social responsibility towards the local community.
You will have great fun raising funds – it’s good for staff morale and an excellent way to build teamwork across your business.
Bristol Business Network 