A new day room opens at the Nightingale Macmillan Unit thanks to donations
The Nightingale Macmillan Unit (NMU) at the Royal Derby Hospital has officially opened its new day room – a calm, welcoming space for patients and their loved ones to spend precious time together.
What was once two small, narrow rooms has been transformed into a bright, open lounge with comfortable seating, a large-screen TV and a calming fish tank.
This project was made possible through the generosity of our supporters, whose donations and fundraising efforts have brought the vision to life. Among them were schoolgirl Evie and Mickleover Golf Club’s past Lady Captain Nicky Taylor and Captain Robert (Bob) Harwood (pictured right).
Evie’s swim challenge
When Evie’s great auntie was cared for at the NMU, she decided she wanted to do something to help other families going through the same experiences. At just nine years old, she set herself an incredible challenge to swim the distance of the English Channel (21 miles) in her local pool. Her determination raised over £6,000.
Evie and her mum, Carly, recently visited the new day room and were delighted to see the impact of their efforts.
“The day room was beautiful. It was light, airy, welcoming, calm – a space where you could collect your thoughts and just take a step out. The fish tank was perfect. We feel so privileged that if we just helped one family, then all those lengths were worth it.” – Evie
Mickleover Golf Club’s charity of the year
Each year, the Captain and Lady Captain of Mickleover Golf Club select a charity to support. In their captaincy year, Nicky and Bob chose to support our charity with the funds to go to the NMU. Their fundraising was creative, fun, and community-driven, from plant and book sales to tombolas, raffles, and even a Captain’s bunker challenge.
Both Nicky and Bob had personal reasons for supporting the NMU.
“My Dad had cancer and although he didn’t stay at the unit, we were supported by the NMU nurses.” – Nicky
“My sister-in-law was a patient in the NMU and was very well looked after.” – Bob
Seeing the finished space was a proud moment for them both.
“The day room is a great addition to an already amazing place.” – Nicky
“I feel very proud and humbled that we have helped create a space where patients can relax and hopefully forget about their problems for a while.” – Bob
Art that brings the outside in
The day room is also enhanced with commissioned artwork from Duffield-based artist Lynne Hollingsworth.
Known for her nature-inspired pieces, Lynne created a lavender design that brings a sense of the outdoors inside – a meaningful touch for patients who may not be able to leave the unit.
The design has been replicated across the unit thanks to funding from our charity’s Air Arts programme.
A message of thanks
Our Chief Officer, Jill Matthews, shared her gratitude:
“We are so fortunate to be able to open up this space for our end-of-life patients to spend time with their loved ones and it’s thanks to our generous supporters that we have been able to do this. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported this project, including Evie, Nicky and Bob.”
Evie’s mum, Carly also reflected on why fundraising is so important:
“It’s important for families currently in the hospital and families that will need it in the future. You never know if you are ever going to need care in a place like the NMU.”
Thanks to the kindness and determination of people like Evie, Nicky, Bob and our wider community, the NMU’s day room is now a space filled with warmth and comfort.
If you would like to support our charity and our work to fund projects like this, visit our Get Involved page to see the many ways you can help.
