A young girl who overcame her fear of hospitals has hit the dance floor with her friends and raised an amazing £825 for the Play team at Southend Hospital.
Mollie Ferris, aged nine, from Leigh-on-Sea, completed a two-hour danceathon alongside 16 fellow dancers from Expressions Theatre Arts Dance School. They were raising money to say thank you for the care Mollie received during a hospital stay earlier this year.
Due to her fear of hospitals and medical procedures, Mollie’s admission to Southend Hospital was particularly daunting. However, the Play team and nursing staff provided the emotional support she needed to help calm her anxieties and guide her through tests and treatments.
Mollie’s mum, Kate, said: “When Mollie had to stay in hospital for two days, it was so scary for her. The play team and the nurses were all so kind, patient and helpful, helping to calm her down.
“Once she came home, we talked about how we could say thank you, and fundraising felt like the perfect way. Both of my daughters love dancing, so a danceathon seemed ideal. We’re incredibly proud of Mollie and all the children who took part, and we’re delighted to have raised such a great sum of money to help other children who may need that same support.”
The money raised will benefit Southend Hospital’s Play team, which provides vital support to children and families across many areas of the hospital.
Clair Dade, Community Fundraising Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mollie, her family, friends and everyone at Expressions Theatre Arts Dance School for this wonderful fundraising effort.
“Our Play teams are such an important part of helping children feel more comfortable during their hospital experience, and Mollie and her friends should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”
