Building work starts on the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Resource Centre
Thanks to overwhelming support from staff and patients in the Trust, the wider community and our dedicated and committed supporters, the Stephanie Marks Appeal is proud to announce that it has succeeded in reaching its financial target of raising over £1 m. This means it now has sufficient funds to create the new two storey, Diabetes Resource Centre in the grounds of St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey. The Croft has been vacated and the Capital Projects Manager has done a fantastic job of negotiating a price with the contractors within this budget without compromising the design or quality of the build. The construction work began on Monday, 19th November and the Centre is scheduled to be completed in November 2009!
The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal is testament to the philosophy of "it can be done" rising to the challenge and overcoming all the obstacles put in its path. It has succeeded despite the credit crunch, fierce competition from other voluntary sector organisations for scarce resources and the contracting pharmaceutical market.
Sir Ian Botham, Patron of the Appeal comments, "I have been involved with this campaign since its launch as this is a cause which is very close to our hearts. Our daughter was just 9 years old when the family had to cope with the shock of learning that Becky had a chronic disease. Having this resource will give patients and families with diabetes invaluable support. This will help them manage their condition much more effectively which is the key to improved quality of life.
It has reached its goals of raising awareness of diabetes and generating funds to create a specialist Diabetes Centre which will improve the quality of diabetes care in Surrey and West Middlesex and will provide faster and easier local accessibility to diabetes treatment, education and research for patients, carers and medical professionals. Once operational, the new Resource Centre will be at the heart of the diabetes service offering out patient and nurse led clinics; structured patient education; insulin pump service and a space for support groups to meet.
When the Appeal was launched, 24,000 patients per annum were predicted to be seen at Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust by 2010 - that number has already been reached, making it necessary to improve the delivery of diabetes care NOW!"
Stephanie Jane Marks was born at St Peter's Hospital in 1984 and died in June 2002. She was only 17. Stephanie had Type 1 diabetes for six years and sadly died as a result of complications. Friends and family describe her as vibrant, loving, caring and positive. Above all this, she epitomised optimism; to Stephanie, diabetes was merely a stumbling block that she would easily overcome in pursuit of her dream of becoming a doctor. The Stephanie Marks Resource Centre will be a lasting tribute to her memory.
Stephanie's parents, Chris and Sue Marks, added "Nothing will ever make up for the devastating and untimely loss of our beloved daughter but we can be proud that the legacy to Steph in the form of the Centre that will bear her name is to become a living service to the diabetes community. Naturally we cannot personally thank everyone who has helped in getting the Appeal to this incredible achievement, much as we would like to, and so we would like to take this opportunity of offering our sincerest gratitude to the huge number of people who have taken the concept from drawing board to bricks and mortar through their commitment, hard work and generosity of time and money. Now we can look forward to the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Centre as a focus for the improved treatment, education and research in this pernicious, chronic condition."
Val levy, Fundraising Manager says, "I am very proud to see this dream turn into reality. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the Appeal and I will be very sad to leave the Trust. I feel privileged and humble working alongside so many people who have devoted their time and energy so generously to raise money for the Appeal. Diabetes can be a devastating disease but I have seen for myself the positive difference it makes to have fast access to treatment and quality, accurate information. I would like to thank our Patron, Sir Ian Botham and all our supporters as we couldn't have done it without you"
The official part of the fundraising for the Appeal will cease at the end of January 2009 and the Fundraising Office will close but donations towards patient education and materials are welcome.
Val Levy
Fundraising Manager
Thank you for helping the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal reach its financial target of raising £1 million. We couldn't have done it without your help. Construction of the Diabetes Resource Centre is now underway and is scheduled to be completed in the Autumn 2009.
Official fundraising for the Appeal has now stopped but donations are still welcome and needed to support patient education and materials.
Please send your cheque payable to "The Stephanie Marks Appeal" to Janet Booker, Cashier, St. Peter's Hospital (telephone 01932 722334).
