ERI nurse behind Rainbow Boxes campaign recognised in Queen's Honours list
Alison Williams, 41, a research nurse, set up the campaign when she saw that patients were being admitted without basic supplies including pyjamas, toiletries and electronic devices to communicate with their families.
With the help of social media and a few friends she raised thousands of pounds to deliver ‘Rainbow Boxes’ of supplies, including the purchase of several iPads which allowed patients to speak to family members, sometimes for the last time.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe campaign also received a £25,000 donation from the Royal Bank of Scotland.
The boxes are now in 60 wards across 10 hospital sites around the Lothians and beyond.
She said: “The iPads have been a crucial part of this. I've been privileged to connect families at home with their loved ones in hospital, in some cases for the last time. So those memories are very precious for me and I've been so lucky to be able to facilitate that."I got a personal message from somebody who saw her dad for the last time through one of the iPads and that obviously touched me. That will stay with me forever. It's something positive that came out of a desperately sad situation."
She added that it was a ‘community initiative’ driven by the people of Edinburgh.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"A particular Facebook group called Edinburgh Gossip Girls has 17,000 members and that was a big part of things because that is how the donations just spiralled,” she said.
Ms Williams, who found out about the award by email during a work meeting, said she felt “very emotional and overwhelmed”.
"It felt very special because it's been a really hard time for everybody,” she said.
Ms Williams also praised her husband Mark for supporting her during the fundraising, and said while her two children, Esme, eight, and Charlie, seven, do not fully understand what it means to receive the honour, they "know it's something special mummy is receiving".She added: "Family are a big part of this. They've been amazing. Everyone is chuffed."