League of Friends of Horsham Hospital
The League's 50th anniversary cake being cut by chairman June Smith and patron The Lady Mary Mumford (right)
The inspiration behind the group was hospital administrator Molly Andrews, who devoted 36 years of her life to the hospital and remained a member of the League up to her death in 2008.
The League's first summer fete was held in August 1959 when the Goon Show and singing star Harry Secombe was the big attraction. He presented a new radio system for the wards, which was the League's first major gift for the hospital.
Since then, the League has purchased many thousands of large and small items to bring extra comforts to patients, staff and visitors. These have included numerous pieces of expensive medical equipment including refurbishment of the X-Ray department, Minor Injuries Unit and Eye Clinic.
The League's first 50 years have seen the raising and spending of £2,140,000 in all.
The 50th anniversary in 2009 was celebrated by a series of special events including a party for members, an exhibition at Horsham Museum, a concert performed by the Slinfold Concert Band, a very successful summer fete and publication of a new book called Friends of the Hospital.
The book provides a detailed history of the hospital between 1892 and 2009 and covers in detail the formation of the League and its first 50 years. There are 132 pages, 40,000 words, more than 100 photographs, and copies are available at £5 each, with all proceeds going to hospital work.
The League raises more than £30,000 each year through its own fund raising work, which includes the hospital shop, hospital tea bar, a books stall, a town collection day, summer fete, Christmas bazaar, a private members draw, two annual prize draws and sale of Christmas cards. Income is considerably boosted by membership subscriptions, donations and generous legacies.
The League's biggest single donation was a sum of £400,000 spent in 2005 during major hospital refurbishment. Thousands of small items have been purchased for all departments, dozens of major projects undertaken and numerous items of expensive medical equipment purchased. When the League celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand party in February 2009 it was announced that total spending on the hospital had reached £2,140,000.
Created prior to 2011. Updated 2021
The League of Friends of Horsham Hospital benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
