‘Superstar’ patient’s amazing gesture for ‘impeccable’ care
A PATIENT at a Nottingham hospital has raised more than £5,400 for the ward where she was treated after she received “incredible” care.
Sian Hopper, 21 and from Overseal, Derbyshire, spent six weeks on the D10 neurology ward at the Queen’s Medical Centre at the end of last year.
Because of the great care that she received while on the ward, she decided to start raising money “to give back” to the hospital.
Sian said: “Without the ward staff, I would have been very poorly. They helped me so much with everything that I’ve been through and the staff aren’t just nurses now, they’re my friends - we’ve built some fabulous relationships. Now I want to give back and help even just one person feel better while in hospital.”
Following a brain tumour which she battled in 2018, Sian has encountered multiple complications with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain. She had a shunt fitted while she was at the QMC – a tube that helps drain fluid and redirect it in the body.
Sian has so far raised over £4,600 for the ward, which will help buy resources for patients and staff, making their time in hospital “a little more comfortable”. To help her with the fundraising, five of Sian’s friends will do an ultramarathon between the D10 ward and Sian’s home village of Overseal.
The 35-mile run takes place today. Sian said: “The donations on the Go Fund Me page go up every hour.
“I’m very overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, it’s incredible.
“The staff members on the ward are very happy that I’m helping other people in a similar position to me and I’m very happy to be able to help.
“The care at the QMC was incredible, I couldn’t have asked for better care. The nurses, the doctors, the cleaners, the catering, the porters, everyone was incredible and my care was impeccable.”
Sian also arranged a village ball in Overseal on Saturday, March 2, which helped raise a further £1,200 through tickets, part of which has been donated to the QMC.
Laura Ellison, activity coordinator at the QMC, has been working closely with Sian while she was in hospital.
She said: “She is absolutely amazing. She’s our baby and our little superstar.
“And despite being very poorly, she did not stop at one thing. She started the Go Fund Me page, organised the marathon, and the ball. She’s absolutely extraordinary and what she’s done is unbelievable.
“Sian is such an outgoing, bubbly, lovely person and has the biggest heart ever.
“She brightens up a room with her smile and we love her.
“We all want to give a massive thank you for everything she has done for us.”
A spokesperson for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We are pleased to hear of Sian’s positive experience on ward D10 and are extremely grateful she has chosen to fundraise for us.
“The money raised will help our staff and future patients using the ward.”
Donate to Sian’s fundraiser at www.gofundme.com – search for “Sian Hopper”.