Celebrations at the launch of Chase Farm CharityTwo charities dedicated to supporting patients at Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital have this month been named as their local Sainsbury’s charity of the year.

The Friends of Barnet Hospital, which provides funding for equipment, research and other services at the hospital, won an online public vote to become New Barnet Sainsbury’s partner charity for the next 12 months.

In Enfield, the recently-formed Chase Farm Charity topped the polls to become the nominated charity of the Sainsbury’s superstore in Crown Road.

The nominations could net the charities between £20,000 and £50,000, with each supermarket committing to collecting donations and helping to organise fundraising events throughout the year.

Launched in 1952, the Friends of Barnet Hospital has raised millions of pounds for patients and staff via donations and the hospital shop. It also manages the Barnet Hospital Radio station.

Bob Henderson, the charity’s vice-chairman, said: “It really is great news for the Friends. Being chosen as Sainsbury’s local charity of the year is an acknowledgement by the local community of the huge contribution that we have made over the last 60 years. We raise funds for projects that ultimately make life a bit better for patients coming into Barnet Hospital.”

Following the acquisition of Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital by the Royal Free London in July last year, the Royal Free Charity expanded to create the Chase Farm Charity. The organisation improves patient experience by funding care packs and volunteers, while also financing major projects and buying specialist equipment at Chase Farm Hospital. The expansion also saw the creation of Barnet Hospital Charity.

Alison Kira, development manager for Chase Farm Charity, said: “I want to say a huge thank you for everyone’s support and votes. This has the potential to bring in a significant amount of funding for Chase Farm Hospital over the next year, as well as gaining local support and raising awareness of the charity.”

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

Image: Celebrations at the launch of Chase Farm Charity

About the Royal Free Charity

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Since then the Royal Free Charity has been working hard on expanding the service and Barnet Hospital Charity and Chase Farm Hospital Charity are now up and running. All funds raised by each charity arm will be used to benefit patients at that specific hospital.

The Royal Free Charity provides the little touches and big differences, including volunteer meet and greeters to help people find their way around, slippers for elderly patients and care packs for patients who may have arrived with nothing with them.

We also support the big projects that make a difference, from specialist medical equipment to art work that brightens up hospital corridors.

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read: A bigger trust, a better future.