A month of events and activities is being planned to celebrate much-loved Nursing heroine Sister Dora and raise funds for Well Wishers, the charity supporting Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
Staff, patients, families and volunteers are being invited to come together throughout September to shine a spotlight on Yorkshire-born Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison whose compassion and care during the 1860s and 1870s is still acknowledged today.
Dorothy, better known as Sister Dora, is often referred to as Walsall’s very own Florence Nightingale for her selfless dedication to nursing thousands of patients at two hospitals in the town – many of whom were victims of industrial accidents.
The month will begin with the launch of the Sister Dora raffle on 2 September, with a luxury Sister Dora candle and wax melt gift set to be won.
The prize has been specially created and generously donated by Willenhall company Dark Foundry No.8, which has also been featured in Vogue at Home.
On 19 September, members of the public will be invited to take part in the Sister Dora Walk, giving supporters the opportunity to raise money for Well Wishers while celebrating the legacy of Sister Dora.
There will also be a number of activities taking place across the Trust for patients and families:
- 28 September: Official opening of the Sister Dora Suite (staff only)
- 28 September: Launch of a new book about Sister Dora, written by her distant relative Suzanna Stirke. (2:30pm-4pm, Sister Dora Lecture Theatre)
- Launch of the Sister Dora Patient Trolley
- 30 September: Opening of the Sister Dora Suite Dementia Café
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, said: “We’re really excited to make September a month to remember Sister Dora and celebrate the incredible legacy she left in Walsall.
“She is someone who is so fondly remembered and whose dedication to Walsall means just as much today as it did back then.
“There is something for everyone to get involved with, whether it’s taking part in the walk, entering our raffle, attending the book launch or supporting one of the events taking place in the hospital.
“We would like to thank everyone who has helped to make these events possible and encourage our community to get involved and help us raise funds to make a difference to patients, families and staff.”