Celebrating 70 Years of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness Day (17 Feb), is the perfect time to celebrate the Friends of Clatterbridge, a charity that has been quietly transforming lives for more than 70 years. Since its foundation in 1954, the organisation has demonstrated the profound impact of kindness, working tirelessly to support patients, families, and staff at Clatterbridge Hospital.

“Our charity, which was originally known as the Clatterbridge Hospitals League of Friends, was established in February 1954 at a meeting of volunteers, committee members, and supporters connected to the hospital,” said its President Dave Adams. “The first committee introduced services that made a real difference to patients’ lives, from a car service for elderly outings to a letter-writing panel helping patients stay in touch with loved ones. They even created a Linen League to repair children’s clothing and knit socks and operating stockings.”

From its inception, the charity’s mission was clear: to foster a connection between the hospital and the community, to inspire public interest in patients, and to raise funds for amenities and services not covered by public funding. Though the organisation has grown and changed its name over the years, its purpose remains unchanged.

One of the charity’s proudest achievements was the Dove Appeal in the 1990s, which funded the creation of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, an interdenominational place of peace on the hospital grounds. Volunteers led the appeal with immense dedication, running a “Buy-A-Brick” campaign that encouraged the community to sponsor personalised bricks for the chapel’s construction. Fundraising efforts included a Gala Concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which raised £10,000. Construction began in 1997, and today the chapel stands as a symbol of kindness and compassion, offering comfort to patients, families, and staff alike.

The charity’s success is built on the extraordinary commitment of its volunteers.

Dave said: “We’ve had only five Presidents in our history, beginning with Viscount Leverhulme, who served for an incredible 46 years. One of our Vice Presidents, George Nelson, has been with us for 61 years, alongside his late wife, Beryl, who was a key figure in our work.”

This long-standing dedication reflects the culture of kindness that Friends of Clatterbridge has nurtured over decades.

Friends of Clatterbridge also work hard to keep the spirit of generosity alive in the wider community. Regular fundraising activities include supermarket and garden centre collections, a stall at Hulme Hall’s Giant Flea Market, and a charity lottery. The charity’s recent launch of a website and social media presence has helped reach new supporters, while their Annual General Meeting allows hospital staff to share personal stories of how the charity has impacted their departments.

As they look to the future, the charity remains committed to making hospital stays more comfortable for patients and providing vital support for the teams that care for them. “We need more volunteers to help us continue our work,” said Dave. “Joining Friends of Clatterbridge is an opportunity to make a real difference – one act of kindness at a time.”