Family and north-east oil giant donate thousands to Friends of Roxburghe House
Published: 19/10/2022 11:09Roxburghe House – the specialist palliative care unit operated by NHS Grampian – has benefited to the tune of more than £48,000, thanks to a fundraising effort led by a patient’s granddaughter and a donation from Apache North Sea, a subsidiary of Apache Corporation.
Shelby Elrick’s grandfather David Adams, was admitted to Roxburghe House in September 2021 while the unit was trialling a Cuddle Bed. These are beds which can be extended width-ways and length-ways to allow a relative to cuddle up to their loved one. Friends of Roxburghe House, the charity which supports the unit, funded the purchase of one bed. Following David’s death, Shelby, along with family, decided to fundraise for a second bed to enable more patients and their families to benefit from the comfort that these beds provide.
Left to Right - Susan Greig (Apache), Richard Sykes (Apache and friend of Shelby), Peter Clark (Treasurer, Friends of Roxburghe House), Angela Kemp (Staff Nurse, Roxburghe House), Shelby Elrick, Audrey Adams (wife of David)
Shelby said: “Our family didn’t get the chance to use the Cuddle Bed with my Granda, as it was being used by another family, and I would have loved to have given him a proper hug, one last time. Fundraising to buy a second bed for the unit made perfect sense. One of the people who contributed works for Apache North Sea Production Ltd – my friend Richard Sykes. Not long after he had contributed, Apache asked their staff for nominations for charity support. Richard suggested this fundraising campaign and we were all delighted when Apache agreed to support us.”
Peter Clark, Treasurer for Friends of Roxburghe House, takes up the story: “We were aware of, and supporting, Shelby with her fundraising, but to say I was stunned when Apache confirmed they would be donating £42,000 is putting it mildly. The Friends of Roxburghe House are so grateful to them for their generous support, and to Shelby for starting the fundraising in the first place.
“The money raised will fund the purchase of a second Cuddle Bed and 10 special pressure-relieving mattresses. The Occupational Therapy team at Roxburghe House are considering other equipment purchases with the remaining amount – almost £9,000. This will make a massive difference to the people cared for at Roxburghe House, to their families, and to the dedicated staff team.”
Susan Greig, Financial Accounting Manager and Apache Bond Committee Member, said: “Apache is committed to building long-lasting relationships in the communities where we operate. The decision to support Friends of Roxburghe House – a charity we have supported in the past - was made by Apache’s Bond Committee which manages funds generated by the company’s workforce through sales of confectionary and other items on its offshore platforms. The committee was made aware of the fundraising campaign by one of our offshore employees, Richard Sykes, and we are delighted that this donation will be used by Roxburghe House to provide comfort to families in the North East of Scotland going through the most difficult of times.”
Shelby added: “I am so grateful to Apache, and to everyone who contributed to our fundraising. It’s a fitting tribute to my Granda and I am pleased Roxburghe House will be able to use the money to bring comfort to the people they care for, and their relatives.”