A legacy donation in memory of local resident Val Griffiths is helping to distract and entertain young patients at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Val Griffiths (pictured top with husband Des) sadly passed away in 1999 but left behind a diamond ring which was sold at her request to Boodles jewellers in Liverpool for £26,500. Before her death, Val had asked her husband Des to donate the money from the sale to Alder Hey Children’s Charity, where it has been used to fund revolutionary aquaponics systems within the new hospital.
Aquaponics is a specially designed eco-system involving fish and various plants and vegetables. Water from the fish tank is used to feed plants and vegetables above it while the plants naturally clean and filter the water before feeding it back into the tank in an endless cycle.
Thanks to Val’s generosity, six wards in Alder Hey now have their own aquaponics system, based on the outside play decks overlooking Springfield Park. Patients on the wards have been enjoying feeding the fish as well as learning how the mini-eco system works.
Val’s husband Des, 72 recently visited Alder Hey with his family to see the aquaponics system in use and was extremely impressed with how his wife’s legacy has been used to bring smiles to hospital patients. He said: “It really is fantastic to see where the money has gone. The aquaponics systems are incredible and I’m sure Val would be so proud to see that her money is making a huge difference to the children and families here.”
Clare White, CEO of Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “It was so lovely to meet Des, show him around our new hospital and give him an opportunity to see the aquaponics systems in use. Val’s legacy is making a massive impact and we are incredibly grateful to both her and Des for their incredible donation. This is a fantastic example of how legacy gifts can help future generations of children and we feel humbled by their generosity.”
If you would like more information on how you can leave something in your will, please contact John Armstrong in the Charity team either by telephoning 0151 293 3678 or by email [email protected]