Can you believe it’s been a whole month since our Dragon Boat Festival!
Time flies when you’re fundraising.

Thanks to the fundraising efforts and the dedication of our 22 teams, who raised over £22,640.00 just from sponsorship alone!
The total amount raised was just over £24,000.00, which includes bucket collections, merchandise sales and a raffle.
We are truly blown out of the water with your generosity and support. All of the money raised will help make a real difference every day at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

Thank you to our wonderful teams!

The Sea Sections – £3,445.03

Drowning Seagulls – £2,635.69

NHS Research Raiders – £1,778.51

Waterproof Warriors – £1,716.62

Team Rapid – £1,359.73

3am Crew – £1,111.30

Light Church – £1,099.61

Coastal Quality – £1,035.33

Fylde Transform Dragons Team 1 – £1,024.08

Fylde Transform Dragons Team 2 – £1,024.08

Robert’s Ark – £1,022.24

Team Perch – £931.29

Glasdon Dolphins – £900.10

Shipload of Trouble – £793.20

Simply Natbest – £710.95

Seaside Sparklers 1 – £690.08

Seaside Sparklers 2 – £660.58

Seaside Sparklers 3 – £265.14

Charlie’s Angels – £253.45

The Minions – £80.80

Transform Hub Fleetwood – £23.76

The Desperados – £5.00

 

Please note, totals have changed since the day of the event.

 

Think you’ve got what it takes to lead a team to victory? Click here to register for our Dragon Boat Festival 2026 today 

Did you know that becoming a volunteer can help you get back into work? Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we plan, but giving back can open new doors and opportunities.

Meet Adrian, one of our incredible shop volunteers at Blue Skies.

Adrian has been volunteering with us since June 2024. After seeing an advert online, he leapt at the chance to give back to the NHS and the hospital that, in his own words, “saved his life.”

 

Born and raised in Blackpool, Adrian spent much of his career travelling across the UK, from London to the Isle of Skye, working as a printer. Despite his dedication to his job, he always knew he had a problem with substance abuse. Over the course of just 12 months, he was admitted to hospital four times.

When Covid-19 hit and work dried up, Adrian’s dependency worsened. Realising he needed to make a change, he reached out to his doctors for support. Along his journey to recovery, he also found a connection with God.

In 2024, Adrian spotted an advert looking for shop volunteers at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Seeing it as a chance to rebuild his confidence and re-enter the working world, he didn’t hesitate to apply.

“Volunteering here gives me a great deal of satisfaction,” Adrian shares. “It might sound selfish, but it genuinely makes you feel good, knowing you’re doing something to help others.” He adds, “I love the sense of community and the support we receive. You’re never asked to do anything you don’t want or can’t do.”

Since joining us, Adrian has continued attending recovery meetings, started college courses to train as a Counsellor, gained new skills, and even reconnected with his family.

Adrian’s story is a testament to the power of volunteering not just in helping others but in transforming lives.

Thank you to everyone who entered our Grand Spring Raffle.

The names of winners and prizes are as follows

 

 

Prize Item	Name
1st Prize	65″ Crystal UHD 4K TV	Pam Seed
2nd Prize	Party Recording and Video Session	Janet Curran
3rd Prize	Beaverbrooks 9ct White Gold Diamond Pearl Necklace	Marcus Clowes
4th Prize	6 Month YMCA Membership	Tracey Manton
5th Prize	Northern Rail Pass	Mrs E Bowman
6th Prize	Fleetwood Town Mascot Package	Rachel Wilson
7th Prize	BFC Table of 6 at Christmas Party Night	Sue Flint
8th Prize	Karaoke Booth for up to 18 people	Matt Consadine
9th Prize	2 tickets to see “Finding Funnies Podcast Live” at Chorley Theatre on 22nd June	Mrs Thompson
10th Prize	Silver Necklace	Pat Martin
11th Prize	Zoo Family Pass	M Glenholme
12th Prize	£100 King Neptune Fish Voucher	S Caine
13th Prize	30-day Blackpool Transport Travel Bus Pass	Mrs K Bardsley
14th Prize	Luxury Airport Travel	Ms Hilary Stephens 26 Tewkesbury Ave, FY4 2NF
15th Prize	Keyboard	Shirley Hunt
16th Prize	Booths Wine and a Voucher	Cathryn Smith
17th Prize	Ten Pin Bowling for up to 6 people	Sharon Greenhalgh
18th Prize	Booth for 4 people at Ma Kellys Showboat	Deb Baines
19th Prize	Jeanettes Florist Voucher	Jackie Mountcastle
20th Prize	£30 Love2Shop Voucher	Sandra Lord
	£30 Love2Shop Voucher	Cathy Wood
22nd Prize	£30 Amazon Voucher	L J Haydock
23rd Prize	£30 One4All Voucher	Andrew Rodwell
24th Prize	£30 One4All Voucher	Tom Browell
25th Prize	£25 Marks and Spencers voucher	J Johnson
26th Prize	£30 Meat Voucher	S Newman
27th Prize	£10 Love2Shop Voucher	S Newman
28th Prize	Bottle of Prosecco	Robert Law
29th Prize	Bottle of Wine	Christine Wan
30th prize	Pack of Guiness	G Freeman

We are proud to announce that local acclaimed actress, Erin Shanagher,  has joined us as the newest Blue Skies Ambassador!

Blue Skies Ambassadors are a carefully selected group of like minded individuals who share passion for Blackpool and it’s vibrant community. Hand picked for their dedication and local pride. Our Ambassadors play a vital role in championing the work we do for our patients at Blackpool Teach Hospitals.

Erin, who is widely known for her compelling performances in Peaky Blinders, The Bay, and numerous other acclaimed dramas, brings not only her public profile but also a genuine passion for community support to the role. With strong ties to the area and a heartfelt connection to local causes, she is a natural fit to help champion the work we do across the Trust.

As an ambassador, Erin will play a vital role in raising awareness of the Trust’s services, fundraising efforts, and community initiatives. Her involvement will help us continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families, and staff across the region.

Speaking about her new role, Erin said:
“It’s a privilege to be an Ambassador for Blue Skies. Their work really is life changing and to get to be part of something so important, in the very hospital I was born in, means a great deal to me.” She continued, “I’m a ‘Sand Grown’ Blackpool has my heart and I’m really excited to work alongside such an incredible team of people”

We are thrilled to have Erin on board and look forward to working closely with her as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our support across the Trust.

Special thanks from Molly  to…

A quiet sanctuary for families during difficult times – made possible by generous donations

We are incredibly  proud to announce the opening of a brand-new family kitchen area on the Neonatal Unit at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, made possible through the kindness and generosity of donors.

This thoughtfully designed space offers families with babies in neonatal care a calm and welcoming environment to prepare food, make a hot drink, and take a much-needed moment to rest and recharge. The kitchen aims to provide comfort and normality during what can be an incredibly emotional and stressful time.

The new facility includes tea and coffee-making amenities, space for simple food preparation, and comfortable seating – giving parents and carers a place to step away, reflect, and find a moment of peace, while remaining close to their little ones.

Julie Kearny from the Neonatal Unit commented:

“Having a baby in neonatal care can be a very overwhelming experience. This kitchen provides a small but important way for us to support our families.”

This project has been made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of numerous families, friends, and members of the local community, many of whom organised and took part in a variety of fundraising events to support the Unit. Their dedication and compassion have come together to make a lasting difference for those experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

One of the fundraisers was the lovely Tenille Halewood, who was invited along to cut the ribbon for the opening.  Following the care she and her baby received at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Tenille and her family felt compelled to give back to the Unit that saved her baby’s life. With the unwavering support of her friends, family, and the wider community, Tenille raised over £6,000. Her tireless work, determination, and ability to rally support were instrumental in making the family kitchen a reality. In addition, a generous donation of £1,238 from the local Soroptimists helped bring this vision to life.

The project was also strongly supported from within the hospital, with Jen Cuffe, who at the time worked in the Women and Children’s department, acting as a driving force behind the scenes. Her vision, dedication, and coordination helped to turn a meaningful idea into a fully functional and welcoming space.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual and group who contributed to this project – your generosity has helped create a space that will make a real difference to families during some of their most challenging days.

The Fylde lost a remarkable man in July 2023 with the passing of Frank Kennedy, whose generosity, warmth, and unwavering love for football touched countless lives. Known for his years of selfless volunteering at the hospice and his dedication to charitable causes, Frank embodied the spirit of giving.

In his final weeks, he was full of gratitude for the exceptional care he received from the staff at Ward 25. So much so that he made sure to include them in his will—a testament to his deep appreciation for those who looked after him. Frank left £2,500 to Blue Skies to help make a difference for future patients at the hospital, ensuring that others continue to receive the same kindness and care he experienced.

Friend of the family, Daryl remembered Frank with us, sharing stories.
Frank’s presence was felt far and wide, especially in local football. A devoted member of the Sunday league committee, he played a vital role in the sport he loved, shaping the game for many in the community. And, of course, his passion for Manchester City was legendary. A fan since the 1960s, he followed the highs and lows of the club with unwavering loyalty. It was bittersweet that, after years of devotion, he had to watch City’s historic treble win from Blackpool Victoria Hospital rather than in person—his tickets and flights for the Champions League final sadly unused.

To Daryl, Frank wasn’t just a friend; he was family. He was his dad’s best friend, and since the day he was born, he was always there, always ready to help. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Frank.

Frank may no longer be with us, but his kindness lives on—not just in our memories, but in the lasting impact he left on those he helped. He was a man who gave, who cared, and who made the world a little better.

 

 

 

 

Blue Skies invites you to become a local hero in the community by leaving a gift in your will to ensure that future generations of patients receive the best in patient care. 100% of our funding is from voluntary donations including gifts in Wills.

Our Leave it Local campaign brings together a number of local charities to encourage people to leave their money to their local area. Donations left to Blue Skies ensure that funds are put back into hospitals across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, to enhance patient experience for local people.

https://blueskiescharity.co.uk/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/

 

 

Our Grand Spring Raffle is back!

This year we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary at Blue Skies, and what better way to celebrate then 30 prizes for our Grand Spring Raffle!

With prizes from a 65″ TV to vouchers and more, it is not one to be missed!

 

Tickets on sale from 31st March 2025 and drawn on 29th May 2025

Click here for tickets

All prizes are as followed

 

 

1st Prize	65″ Crystal UHD 4K TV
2nd Prize	Party Recording and video session T’s & C’s apply
3rd Prize	9ct White Gold Diamond Pearl necklace
4th Prize	6 Month YMCA membership
5th Prize	Northern Rail Pass
6th Prize	Fleetwood Town Mascot Package
7th Prize	BFC Table of 6 at Christmas Party Night
8th Prize	Karaoke Booth for up to 18 people
9th Prize	2 tickets to see “Finding Funnies Podcast Live” at Chorley Theatre on 22nd June
10th Prize	Silver Necklace
11th Prize	Zoo Family Pass
12th Prize	£100 King Neptune Fish Voucher
13th Prize	30 day travel bus pass
14th Prize	Luxury Airport Travel
15th Prize	Keyboard
16th Prize	Booths wine and a voucher
17th Prize	Ten pin Bowling for up to 6 people
18th Prize	Booth for 4 people at Ma Kellys Showboat
19th Prize	Jeanettes Florist Voucher
20th Prize	£30 Love2Shop Voucher
21st Prize	£30 Love2Shop Voucher
22nd Prize	£30 Amazon Voucher
23rd Prize	£30 One4All Voucher
24th Prize	£30 One4All Voucher
25th Prize	£25 Marks and Spencer voucher
26th Prize	£30 Meat Voucher
27th Prize	£10 Love2Shop Voucher
28th Prize	Bottle of Prosecco
29th Prize	Bottle of Wine
30th prize	Pack of Guiness

 

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: Entry: The cost of entry is £1 per ticker. No one under the age of 16 may purchase or sell tickets. You must also be a UK resident. Draw Date: The draw date will be Thursday 29th May 2025 at 12 noon.  Any late entries will be treated as a donation and not entered into the draw. Notification of Winners: We will notify winners by telephone where possible and then by email or post.  We will also display the winning raffle numbers on our website. Promotor:   Kila Redfearn, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR. Registered charity no: 1051570.

Sometimes, a cup of tea, a slice of cake, and a moment shared can make all the difference.

 

Louise has always had a heart for bringing people together. For years, she organised church events and supported local charities and uniformed groups. But when her church closed in 2019, and Covid put a stop to so many community gatherings, the sense of connection she loved was harder to find.

 

She often exchanged friendly hellos with people at church and in the neighbourhood, but realised she didn’t truly know many of them. During the pandemic, she got to know some neighbours better by doing their shopping and running a book swap. Still, even now, many of them rarely venture out.

 

Then came the spark of inspiration. Louise’s niece hosted a couple of fundraising events at her home, and after helping, Louise saw the joy it brought and how important it was to bring people together, all while raising money and enjoying a good brew.

 

It didn’t take long for Louise to decide to organise her own coffee morning. She asked for donations of unwanted items to create a bric-a-brac stall, a tombola, and a raffle. With her family by her side, the day was a wonderful success. Strangers became friends, stories were shared, and there was a feeling of togetherness that reminded everyone just how much community matters. Thanks to the support of Louise’s friends and family, more then £380 was raised for the Breast Care Centre at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

 

For Louise, this event meant even more than just a way to connect, “Two years ago, I needed the care of the Breast Care Centre in Blackpool. Thankfully, my outcome was positive, but I know not every woman receives the same good news.” Louise continued, “The staff at the centre offer not only exceptional care but also endless compassion and support.”

 

That’s why she chose to donate the proceeds from her coffee morning to The Breast Care Unit.  A small gesture of gratitude and kindness that will help others facing difficult journeys.

 

What do you think of when you think of Blackpool?  Sun? Sea? Sand? Comedy…?

As well as its bright lights and Golden Mile, Blackpool is known for its comedy legends! Names like Charlie Cairoli, Syd Little, Mooky The Clown and of course the legendary Steve Royle!

Steve Royle, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry. He has a distinguished career spanning over three decades and is celebrated for his iconic roles in Blackpool Grand Theatre’s pantomimes, having performed in over 1,000 shows on its historic stage. In 2020, Steve captivated the nation as a finalist on ITV’s “Britain’s Got Talent,” showcasing his unique blend of comedy and juggling skills and blew the judges and crowds away!

As well as an actor, writer, comedian, juggler, a “Gillard award” winning presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire, ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist, and podcast host, Steve can now add Blue Skies ambassador to his ever growing list of titles!

His deep connection to Blackpool and passion for the community make him an ideal advocate for the charity’s mission to support the best in healthcare.

 

Steve expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “Blackpool has always been close to my heart, and I am honoured to support Blue Skies Hospitals Fund in their mission to enhance patient care. I look forward to contributing to the charity’s ongoing success and supporting its vital work in the community.”