Ingham Infirmary reunion raises vital funds for a South Shields relationship abuse charity
A South Shields-based relationship abuse charity has benefited from former Ingham Infirmary staff.
The Ingham Infirmary Reunion Group has chosen a South Shields domestic abuse charity to benefit from vital funds following its latest event.
Named after Robert Ingham, the first MP for South Shields, the infirmary opened in 1873 and served the local community for more than 100 years until it closed in the early 1990s - with services moved to the Ingham Wing at South Tyneside District Hospital.
Following its closure, the reunion group have held many fundraising events and on Saturday, June 6, 41 members gathered at the Little Haven Hotel, on River Drive, in South Shields.
Selecting SURT
The group selected SURT (Stopping Unsafe Relationships Together) to be the beneficiary of the event, which saw charity members attend to talk about the organisation and how they support young people and those closest to them who have been impacted by relationship abuse.
Chris Bawer, of the Ingham Infirmary Reunion Group, said: “Each year we have a reunion to celebrate our years working at the Ingham Infirmary.
“This year we chose SURT, because it is a charity that is very close to my heart as they helped a relative of mine who now has their life back following a dreadful relationship.
“They are now volunteering for SURT hoping to help other young people in unsafe relationships. I cannot thank the team enough.”
Spreading SURT’s message
Leanne Hansen, one of SURT’s Managing Directors, has expressed her gratitude to the Ingham Infirmary Reunion Group for selecting them as the chosen charity.
She said: “We are so grateful to have been the chosen charity for this year’s event and we truly appreciate the time you took to listen to SURT’s support offer and for warmly welcoming our young volunteer, who represents young people’s voice.
“Every step we take toward awareness and support is a step toward change.”
Chloe, a SURT Steering Supporter, spoke at the event and has revealed that it has given her a better insight into her future nursing career.
She commented: “As a young SURT Steering Supporter, I share awareness of unsafe relationships and give back to the local community by doing fundraising events.
“This event was amazing and I was able to speak to the retired nurses to get an insight of what to expect when I become a nurse in the future.”