At Rainbow Pharmacy, we believe our role in the community extends far beyond dispensing medications and providing clinical advice. Being a true community pharmacy means showing up for our patients through all of life’s challenges, and sometimes, that means our team members step completely out of their comfort zones!
Recently, our superintendent pharmacist, Ashwin Bhatt, decided to take this dedication to the next level (quite literally) by participating in an extreme charity abseil. We are incredibly proud to announce that Ashwin raised a phenomenal £3,500 for the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, with his fundraising efforts directed specifically toward the Time Garden Appeal.
Ashwin decided to take on the 135ft challenge after his grandmother received end-of-life care at Ipswich Hospital last year.
He said: “The end-of-life services were simply second to none. The team were brilliant and we wanted to do something to give back.
“Nobody wants to lose someone in hospital, but the care and compassion shown to my grandmother and our family meant so much to us. We visited every day and the staff were incredibly supportive during such a difficult time.
“The Time Garden would make such a difference to families. To have access to a peaceful space and access to a private garden during those moments would be truly special.”
For those who might not be familiar with it, the Time Garden is a profoundly important project. It provides a private outdoor space for patients in their final days to spend important, peaceful time with their loved ones, away from the busy clinical wards.
As healthcare professionals who deeply value patient dignity, knowing how much comfort this space brings to families in our local area made Ashwin’s courageous steps over the edge of the building completely worth it.
The fundraising was a true team effort! Our pharmacy technician, Sharon Lucas, organised a special community raffle to help boost our total. The generosity of local businesses and our community was astounding. The raffle featured an amazing array of prizes, ranging from driving lessons and fish and chips vouchers to family-fun experiences like a day at Jimmy’s Farm and Cineworld tickets. Some lucky winners even secured a relaxing beach hut day on the beautiful Suffolk coast and a scenic river cruise with the Orwell Lady!
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who donated, bought a raffle ticket, cheered Ashwin on, and supported this charity fundraiser.
