News | Friends of Stratford Hospital

Stratford Races for Friends

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:20:26 GMT

Stratford's Big 10K & Half Marathon

We were incredibly proud to be selected by Tempo Events as the charity partner for this renowned Stratford event. With 2,000 runners registered and local supporters cheering them on, it was a fabulous community occasion.

Friends of Stratford Hospital rallied the marshals and entered our own team of runners. Despite the driving rain, we shouted about the importance of supporting our local hospital as loudly and proudly as we could.

A massive thank you to the organisers, Tempo Events; the sponsors, Lodders Solicitors; and every single person who turned up to run or cheer from the sidelines.

We are delighted that the event raised £895 for Friends of Stratford Hospital.

Finalist - Charity of the Year!

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:27:38 GMT

Finalist- Charity of the Year!

Friends of Stratford Hospital has been selected as a finalist in the Charity of the Year category in the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards.

This recognition means so much — not just because it acknowledges the incredible hard work of our team, volunteers and supporters, but because it gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise our profile and tell more people about what we actually do.

Friends of Stratford Hospital has been a local charity since 1948, supporting our hospital and the community it serves. Stratford Hospital is somewhere so many of us will use at some point in our lives, yet surprisingly few local people know of us, or understand the difference we make.

And that is exactly why this recognition is so important….We want people to know who we are, what we do and, most importantly, how they can get involved and support their local hospital.

Being named a finalist is a wonderful achievement, but the real prize is having the opportunity to spread the word about Friends of Stratford Hospital and the vital role it plays in our community.

Friends Together - Read the Latest FoSH News

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:39:50 GMT

FoSH Newsletter

Read the latest newsletter!

A non-profit book supporting Friends of Stratford Hospital

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:56:46 GMT

My Nightmare Health Journey by Richard Clark

Following a serious fall while walking his dog, retired Chief Executive Richard Clark found himself on an unexpected and life-changing journey. What began as a routine day became a two-year battle with ill health, multiple hospital stays, uncertainty, and ultimately a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

In After the Fall, Richard shares his deeply personal story with honesty, courage and moments of humour. He reflects on the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, the unwavering support of his family, and the resilience needed to face an uncertain future. An unexpected encounter with renowned football coach Marcelo Bielsa adds a unique and memorable chapter to this remarkable memoir.

Raw, reflective and inspiring, After the Fall is a powerful account of survival and hope. It is a reminder of how quickly life can change and of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Richard has generously chosen to make this book entirely non-profit. Every donation from book sales will support Friends of Stratford Hospital, helping the charity continue to enhance patient care at the hospital where Richard received treatment.

Please support Richard’s incredibly generous gesture and, if you are able, donate generously in aid of Friends of Stratford Hospital.

Find out more or order your copy here: https://www.afterthefallbook.co.uk/

Alscot Race for Friends'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:09:07 GMT

The Heat Was On

Alscot welcomed more than 100 runners for its first-ever Tempo 5K, with participants taking on the challenging course in sweltering 34-degree heat. Despite the conditions, 106 runners crossed the finish line, cheered on by supporters from neighbouring villages who lined the route, many armed with hosepipes to help keep runners cool as they tackled the climb up Atherstone Hill.

The event, organised in partnership with Tempo Events, also saw Team Alscot take part to raise funds for Friends of Stratford Hospital.

Charity Open Garden

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:30 GMT

A First for FoSH

Mrs Camilla West hosted a charity Open Garden at her home in Atherstone on Stour.

Fortunately, the rain stayed away and, despite some cloud cover, it was a bright and enjoyable afternoon that was very well attended.

The garden looked stunning, the cakes were delicious, and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the event.

The event raised an impressive £2,000 that was shared equally between Friends Of Stratford Hospital and Guide Dogs UK.

Special thanks go to all visitors, as well as to those who helped to plan and organise the event, to everyone who helped on the day and generously donated raffle prizes and cakes for the afternoon teas.

Launching Friends Together Newsletter

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:26:04 GMT

New Newsletter!

In May 2026 we launched our very first edition of Friends Together, the Friends of Stratford Hospital newsletter.

Here you will receive all the latest news and events from the Friends'.

Singing for Friends'

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:27:52 GMT

Charity Boost as Tarantara Choir Support FoSH

A fabulous outing for our choir Tarantara at the United Reform Church in Stratford upon Avon, where the choir were helping to raise funds for Friends of Stratford Hospital. The assembled gathering were enthralled by the programme, entitled, ‘A winter warmer’ by our MD Linnea Markgren, who was described by one audience member as, ‘the icing on the cake…… the cherry on the top,’ for the delightful way she compered the proceedings. Many attendees approached choir members afterwards to express their delight at the concert, commenting on our lovely attire as well as our obvious enthusiasm and joy when singing. What a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event for the the Friends'.

Spring Plants

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:48:37 GMT

A Foyer Full of Frangrance

Our annual Spring Plant Sale was once again a bright and colourful occasion. The foyer was full of fragrance and not only from the wonderful plants and foliage for the Easter door displays but courtesy of our Chair, Ursula Russell, delicious home made jam! The sale was a huge success and with your help the Friends' raised £551 or the charity. Huge thanks to all those who contributed by way of donations and voluntary support and to those visitors that attended.

Friends Fund Motorised Reclining Chair

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:55:29 GMT

Playing an important role in recovery

Motorised reclining chairs play a surprisingly important role in supporting elderly patients in hospitals. They’re not just about comfort; they help with safety, mobility, and recovery in several ways.

They make position changes effortless - with a simple button, the chair can tilt, recline, or lift. This reduces the physical strain on patients who may have weak muscles, joint pain, or conditions like arthritis. It also means nurses don’t have to manually reposition patients as often, lowering the risk of injury for both. They’re also key for improving circulation and preventing complications. Sitting upright or slightly reclined helps reduce the risk of issues like pressure ulcers (bed sores), which can develop when someone stays in one position too long. Adjusting posture regularly keeps blood flowing and reduces pressure on vulnerable areas. They help with standing and sitting. Many motorised recliners include a “rise and tilt” function that gently lifts the patient to a near-standing position. This is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery or dealing with balance problems, lowering the risk of falls.

Being able to sit more upright can make breathing easier for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and can aid digestion after meals. Giving patients control over their own position—even something as simple as adjusting the backrest—can improve independence and dignity, which is important for mental well-being during hospital stays. Motorised reclining chairs combine comfort with practical medical benefits, helping elderly patients stay safer, more independent, and better supported throughout their recovery. The staff and patients of the Nicol Ward are delighted with the motorised chair that was funded by the Friends'.

Emma Holman-West Announced as New Patron

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:57:20 GMT

A New Patron for FoSH

The Friends of Stratford Hospital are delighted to announce that Emma Holman-West, CEO Alscot Estate, has taken on the role of Patron of the long-standing local charity.

The formation of The Friends of Stratford Hospital, a local charity that aims to provide equipment, services and comforts to the patients and staff of Stratford Hospital, dates back to 1948 when the old hospital was replaced with new buildings after the introduction of the National Health Service. Since then, the charity has provided support and funding for vital equipment and facilities, helping to enhance the experience of everyone who uses the hospital.

Emma first worked with the Friends back in 2016, when the charity launched a major fundraising campaign to help create the hospital’s new state of the art cancer and ophthalmology wards. Emma was spurred on by the shocking statistics that showed, at the time, 30 per cent fewer people in the district refused chemotherapy compared to nearby Warwick Hospital due to the distance they had to travel, often daily. As well as fundraising, Emma’s role was to lead on the internal design ensuring it delivered the best possible experience for those spending some considerable time on the wards, during what can be very difficult times for the patients and their families. Alscot hosted several fundraising events including a clay pigeon shoot, open garden, and concert by The Orchestra of The Swan.

The hospital was formally opened by Princess Anne and in August 2017 the £22million hospital building, offering a cancer unit, ophthalmology unit and community wellbeing hub across three floors, welcomed its first patients. Since then, Emma has remained a strong supporter of the hospital and its community. Speaking about her new role, Emma said: “I’m honoured to become Patron of Friends of Stratford Hospital. The charity has been doing incredible work for almost 100 years, quietly supporting patients and staff in ways that make a real difference. I’m keen to help raise the profile of the Friends so that more local people know about the amazing volunteers and the vital work they do. Together, I believe we can increase awareness, support, and fundraising — and explore new opportunities for the future.”

Alongside her charitable commitments, Emma owns and runs the Alscot Estate, a 4,000-acre estate which has been under her leadership for more than 20 years. The Estate’s main business is property, and Emma also operates her own farming enterprise. No stranger to juggling challenges and innovation, she has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in rural enterprise and sustainability. In 2008, Emma was awarded the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and more recently, she received an award for Best Green Business from the Stratford Herald for her work in sustainable farming and land management.

Chair of Friends of Stratford Hospital, Ursula Russell, welcomed Emma’s appointment, saying:

“We’re thrilled that Emma is joining us as Patron. Her enthusiasm, experience, and strong community ties will help us continue to grow and support the hospital in every way we can.”

Emma added: “I’d love to see more people and local businesses join us in supporting Stratford Hospital. Together we can make a lasting difference for everyone who depends on its care.”

Anyone wishing to support or learn more about the charity can visit https://www.friendsofstratfordhospital.org/ https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/friendsofstratfordhospital/donation-amount or follow Friends of Stratford Hospital on Instagram.

New Treatment Room for Physiotherapy

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:31 GMT

Friends of Stratford Hospital, are proud to share this project, funded by the Friends', that directly impacts the quality of care and experience for patients at the hospital. The underutilised former storeroom was transformed into an additional treatment room for the Physiotherapy Department, significantly improving the hospital’s capacity and enhancing patient privacy.
It's continued support which makes projects like this possible for the benefit of our community.

New Hand-Held Scanner for the Eye Clinic

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:31 GMT

When Your Support Makes A Real Difference

The Optomed Aurora scanner device funded by the Friends' has proven especially helpful in clinics serving vulnerable adults and allows the team of specialist staff to diagnose patient conditions more easily in the eye clinic.