MedEquip4Kids is a registered charity based in Manchester, UK, which aims to improve the health and babies, children and young people by providing equipment not available from limited NHS resources. The charity supports projects across the North West of England and beyond, providing medical equipment and facilities to NHS Trusts, schools, clinics and community groups.
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History
The charity was founded in 1985 by a family from Prestwich, Greater Manchester. Their daughter was seriously ill with meningitis at Booth Hall Children's Hospital in Manchester, where she made a full recovery. At the time, the hospital was unable to afford some vital items of equipment and so to show their gratitude to the hospital, the couple set out to raise money for the hospital. The family set out to raise £1 million for a new neonatal intensive care unit, at this time the organisation was known as the Booth Hall Children’s Hospital’s Research and Development Trust but was more commonly known as the Bobby Bear Appeal.
Once this target was reached, the charity continued to fundraiser under the title of "Children's Hospitals Appeals Trust" or CHAT, working specifically with hospitals across Greater Manchester.
In 2004, the charity re-branded to become known as MedEquip4Kids and expanded their remit beyond just hospitals to support other organisations that care for children.
Organisation
MedEquip4Kids is currently governed by a board of 11 Trustees, who volunteer their time to plan the strategic future of the charity, make policy decisions and ensure the charity is accountable to all beneficiaries.
On a day-to-day basis, the charity is run by Chief Executive, Ghazala Baig who is supported by a small team of fundraisers and administrators.
Present day
MedEquip4Kids has appeals offices based out of Rico House in Prestwich. Since their creation in 1985, the charity has raised over £20 million to fund healthcare equipment.
In 2014, they began an appeal focused on improving Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) across the UK. In the first round of this appeal, the charity has raised over £22,000 to fund CAMHS projects nationwide. The second round of funding closes on 11 December 2014. The money raised as part of this appeal will help supply books, resources and therapy items to help and support children and young people with a range of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a range of eating disorders, depression and self harm.
30th anniversary
In 2015, MedEquip4Kids will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary and have launched a special anniversary challenge, 30 Peaks, as part of their celebrations.
Fundraising activities
MedEquip4Kids runs a number of fundraising events each year which includes their Duck Race, Mega Trek (previously known as Trek 50), the Lancashire Loop, and the Shimmer Ball