Westerleigh makes £10k donation to the Southmead Hospital Charity

Westerleigh Group has made a £10k donation to the Southmead Hospital Charity in support of its Petals project for 2025, which will provide specialist counselling services for families experiencing baby loss.  

The funding supplied to this Bristol-based pilot project means that the charity is able to keep operating for at least a further 12 months. 

Petals first launched its project at Southmead Hospital in April last year, with funding that included £6k from Westerleigh Group. 

In the time that the project has been running, it has ensured that families bereaved of a child no longer had to wait for months to get access to the appropriate care and support they need. 

According to Petals’ operators, the pilot had proved so successful that there was “a strong wish to keep it going” – and Westerleigh group stepped in once again to provide additional funding. 

The Petals project was nominated for further support by Eden Eddolls, Westerleigh Group’s digital marketing officer.

She said: “The positive impact of the 12-month pilot project was clear to see and so I was keen for Westerleigh Group to support it again.

“While the loss of any loved one is incredibly difficult, pregnancy or infant loss brings its own unique and profound challenges. It is so important that in those circumstances parents have access to expert care and support as quickly as possible.”

She added: “At Westerleigh Group, of course, we support bereaved families every day, so the aims of the Petals project resonate strongly with what we do, which is why I nominated the Southmead Hospital Charity to receive some further support. I was so proud to be able to present the £10,000 cheque to the Petals project so that it can continue supporting families at such a distressing time in their lives.”’

The donation from Westerleigh Group came from the proceeds of its metal recycling scheme. 

Katie Collier, head of fundraising and communications at the Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “We were honoured to work closely with the Westerleigh Group again and were delighted to receive their generous £10k donation towards this important bereavement support service.

“The project is being so warmly received by both patients and staff and we’re so pleased it can continue for another year. Huge thanks goes to Westerleigh Group for recognising the importance of this vital service. Your ongoing support is making a real difference to so many lives.”