Climbing for a cause – Ward B5 at Rotherham Hospital take on Mam Tor for dementia patients

When it comes to going the extra mile for patients, Kerry Smith and her team from Ward B5 at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust are literally heading for the hills—twice!

Kerry, the dedicated Ward Manager on Ward B5, is rallying over 20 amazing colleagues for two epic hikes up the iconic Mam Tor on 29 June and 6 July, all to raise vital funds for the Rotherham Dementia Appeal, which aims to improve the hospital experience for patients living with dementia.

Kerry said: “Dementia affects more than just memory, it affects families, relationships and independence. We see those challenges every day, and we want to do our bit to make a difference.”

Ward B5 provides care to many elderly patients, a significant number of whom are living with dementia. The funds raised from this double summit will go directly towards enhancing patient care, from creating calming, comfortable spaces to funding specialist resources that support dignity, comfort and care.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said:

“We’re so proud of Kerry and the team on Ward B5 for going above and beyond to support the Dementia Appeal. It’s heart-warming to see the team taking on this challenge to support the patients they care for day in, day out on Ward B5. One in four people in our region are affected by dementia. The team see first-hand how distressing a hospital stay can sometimes be—for both patients with dementia and their loved ones.

“As part of our £250,000 Dementia Appeal, we are undertaking a major redevelopment of several key areas within the hospital to better support inpatients with dementia and their families. Support from people like Kerry and her team, is helping us make that experience significantly more positive and less overwhelming for patients living with dementia.”

The charity’s Dementia Appeal aims to transform multiple hospital wards at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust into warm, welcoming dementia-friendly spaces. The charity appeal aims to fund:

• A dementia-style café, games area and a garden-inspired potting shed space
• Quiet rooms for calm and therapeutic activities
• Replacement of lighting and flooring to reduce confusion and promote safety
• Rest areas for loved ones and reclining chairs for carers to stay close to their loved ones in hospital
• Dementia-friendly clocks and bays that reduce confusion
• RITA systems (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) — using music, films and games to spark joy, memory and connection.

If like Kerry and her team, you’d like to play a part in supporting those living with dementia in the community, you can show your support by:

• Making a donation to Ward B5’s fundraising page ahead of their Mam Tor challenge: justgiving.com/page/wardb5mamtor25
• Fundraise for the Dementia Appeal. From taking part in an event to organising a raffle at work, there are so many ways you can support the charity’s appeal.

Contact the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity team to discuss fundraising by calling 01709 426821 or emailing trft.rhcc@nhs.net

Alternatively, pop into their charity hub located in the entrance of Rotherham Hospital, opposite Boots for a chat.