Charles Henry and Sons fundraiser for the Leicestershire Hospitals ICU

Charles Henry and Sons have worked with the UHL over the past 30 years on various projects. Back in March of this year, they were called up to assist the hospitals across Leicestershire to prepare all areas for the Coronavirus, one of the main areas being the Intensive Care Unit.

Without hesitation, a team of fitters all stepped forward to help out, which Gary Henry (Director) describes as “an extremely humbling moment”. Various works were carried out to make areas within the hospitals safe for the staff and patients. During this time, the operatives witnessed the stressful and tireless work that the NHS staff were putting in day after day, particularly in the ICU. They have expressed that although all NHS staff were in full PPE, you could see the stress in their eyes and could sense their tiredness, but they carried on regardless to look after their sick patients.

The CHS team of fitters worked successfully alongside the Estates Department and other local trades including hospital staff, nurses, doctors, and cleaners as one team to ensure that everything was ready for the peak of the pandemic. They all went above and beyond to make the necessary changes to keep everyone safe through this challenging time.

After experiencing this first-hand, Charles Henry and Sons wanted to do something to raise some money and show their respect and appreciation to the NHS staff. So, on the evening of May 2nd whilst Gary Henry was watching TV, it was announced that it was World Naked Gardening Day. With that in mind, he set a challenge by uploading a naked photo of himself in his garden on to the Charles Henry and Sons Facebook page, respectfully covering himself up, holding a plant pot. Gary wrote on the Facebook post that for every photo received, Charles Henry and Sons would donate £50 to the ICU staff fundraiser and use the photo to produce a 2021 calendar, titled… “YOU’VE BARED ALL FOR US SO WE’VE BARED ALL FOR YOU”. The response to this challenge was fantastic and a total of 17 photos were received. Most of these photos were of people who had worked in the team at the hospitals but also of people who just wanted to do their bit and help out. So far, Charles Henry and Sons have raised £2,300.00 and the sales of the calendars at just £10 each have started well. They have also set up a Just Giving page for any other donations. All money raised will be given directly to the ICU to purchase desired items for their staff areas.

If anyone would like to donate and have the ‘MUST HAVE’ Calendar for 2021, please contact Trina Boot at Charles Henry and Sons, either by email trina.b@chenryandsons.co.uk or telephone 0116 278 7818.

You can view a sample of the Calendar and read our story on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Construction-Company/Charles-Henry-Sons-Ltd-593381654092303/

As a thank you and recognition for all their hard work through this tough time, some of the operatives at Charles Henry and Sons received the NHS Blue Balloon for working Above and Beyond alongside the NHS staff in the COVID areas. They were asked to carry out some essential works in COVID areas with the correct PPE supplied to them. They all stepped forward and said, “if the Nursing Staff can work in there, so can we!” Charles Henry and Sons describe this as a very proud moment for all involved, to see that they were greatly recognised for their work efforts - David Thornton, Joe Shuttlewood , Mark Hornbuckle and Greg Perkings.