You're Amazing (Summer/Autumn 2016) Summer/Autumn 2018 | Page 4

Dr Ranj helps raise funds with new book Our Christmas appeal Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we were able to buy gifts for 450 community patients, some of whom live alone and have limited mobility, and over 300 children who were with us over the festive period. You helped us buy gifts such as cosy socks and smellies for our community patients and toys for babies, teens, little ones, older ones, and for children who have disabilities. We were also able to purchase items to put together much needed communication boxes for our wards at Evelina London. These can help a child to relax and understand what they’re going through. The boxes are made up of lots of items such as flash cards and white boards to aid communication between staff and patients, and fidget toys to calm patients and reduce anxiety. Thank you for helping us bring Christmas smiles to our patients. Meet Evie the Elephant, one of the South Thames Retrieval Service team! She not only makes children smile once they are feeling better but also helps to hold very important breathing equipment needed to keep the children alive whilst they are in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Evie and her elephant friends were bought with money donated by supporters like you – thank you! 4 Former Evelina London doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh has lent his voice to a new children’s book, James and the Birthday Balloon. Nicola J Rowley’s latest illustrated book tells the story of kind-hearted James, and how he helps best friend Ruby overcome her fear of hospitals when she falls and hurts herself. Author Nicola is following in James’s generous footsteps by donating £1 to Evelina London for every hard copy of the book sold, which comes with a free audio download, read by Dr Ranj. Nicola says, ‘The character of James was inspired by my son, who, when he was a baby, reached out to a little girl with a small act of kindness and stopped her crying. I hope this book goes a long way to spreading some magic and happiness through Evelina London, whilst also highlighting the amazing work the staff do on a daily basis.’ Find out more at supportevelina.org.uk/james 5