A hotel and a rotary club have joined forces to raise £6,500 for an intensive care unit.

The critical care unit at Derriford hospital received donations from Soar Mill Cove hotel and the Rotary club of Salcombe.

Each year, the owners of the Salcombe hotel hold an annual ball to raise money for a nominated charity. In November 2017, it was decided that donations would go to Spring Intensive Care in memory of owner, Keith Makepeace who sadly passed away the previous November at Derriford.

Keith’s son, who is incidentally also called Keith said his father received impeccable service when he was in the Intensive care Unit (ICU). “We wanted to raise funds for the unit as we really wanted to give something back” added Keith.

A total of £4,000 was raised from the ball, but that was not the only way the family run hotel wanted to help.

Keith’s mother, Norma Makepeace who continues to run the hotel with her son decided to train to become a volunteer at the hospital. Since July, she has been giving up her free time to work in the Intensive Care Unit on Thursday afternoons.

“It’s really useful for the unit to have a pair of open hands” described Norma.

“Having a loved one in critical care is quite distressing, but people find it quite helpful just to have someone to talk to and who is able to listen, like me.

“I’m there to provide comfort to patients’ families at their time of need, as well as to bring plenty of tea and hot chocolate.”

The rotary club of Salcombe, inspired by Keith who is also a member, decided to raise money for Spring Intensive Care.

Consequently, the club has so far raised £2,500 which was presented to Derriford hospital last week alongside Soar Mill Cove’s donation.

“The club likes to raise money for local charities and for care in the community” explained John Sampson, who presented the cheque on behalf of the rotary club.

‘We’re aware of how much hard work goes on in our local ICU-my brother received outstanding care when he came in here, many years ago.

“We therefore wanted to help the unit to continue to offer their exceptional level of service.

“We realise that it’s not just about making people better, but it’s also all the extra bits that help patients further and to enhance their treatments. So we’re glad to be able to help.”

The rotary club are hoping to raise more money for the unit as part of the Salcombe Crab Festival being held on Sunday, May 6, this year.

Dr Peter Macnaughton, the Intensive Care Consultant at Derriford hospital and Chair of Spring Intensive Care expressed his gratitude for all the fantastic efforts of Keith, his family and the rotary club.

“This money will be incredibly useful and we plan to use it towards buying equipment to help with the early rehabilitation of patients recovering from critical illness” added Dr Macnaughton.

The Spring Intensive, a registered charity that supports the Intensive Care Unit at Derriford, is completely reliant on voluntary donations which ensure that critically ill patients in Plymouth get the best care possible.

Funds are used to purchase life saving equipment, fund nurse education and support the families of critically ill patients.