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League of Friends

James Paget League of Friends 1983-2018

The James Paget’s ‘League of Friends’, established in 1983, raised almost £2m through fundraising within the local community, ensuring every department across the hospital received financial support during this time.

The League was born out of the enthusiasm and passion of local people – led by a fun-loving and active group organising events to tap into local charitable giving, like bed runs, car boot sales, and fetes.

A newspaper cutting with a photograph of four women, with the headline 'Volunteer work so vital'

In the 1990s, the League of Friends also established a stall in the main hospital entrance foyer, and in 1993 were given permission to formally open a shop. The League of Friends shop became the centre of attention for members of the public wanting to contribute to fundraising efforts and buying items from the shop.

The shop also served as a location where people could talk to volunteers from the League, and receive help and support, performing another crucial role in assisting the Paget’s patients, their families and carers.

The League of Friends closed in 2018 – and the Trust recognises the huge efforts made by everyone associated with the League in helping make the James Paget what it is today, through the funds they raised, and the spirit of volunteering and community involvement they helped to champion through their support.

A newspaper cutting with a photograph and headline 'Hospital's good friends raise £19,000'

A newspaper cutting with a group photo of a cheque presentation with the headline 'Hospital Friends' £1000'

A newspaper clipping with photographs of groups with Pleasurewood Hills mascot Woody Bear linked to an article about a bed push to raise funds.

A newspaper cutting with a photo of four people - two in the centre holding a large cheque and one on either side of them holding a 'James Paget Hospital League of Friends' banner behind them. The headline on the article reads 'Giant boost for cancer centre fund'.