We are raising money for the Bright Charity as part of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - this charity helps to provide a wide range of new schemes and equipment, from new diagnostic equipment to fast track results for cancer patients to monitors for special care baby units.

The Bright Charity, from a Speech Therapy perspective, has also helped fund our department for amazing specialised equipment such as:

- Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) - a flexible nasendoscope which helps to directly visualise structures inside of the throat to help detect swallowing impairments

- Biozoon (Flavoured Air) - this product has been used for palliative/end of life patients, and among those with significant swallowing impairments to provide them with tastes of food/drinks they enjoy, for quality of life purposes and comfort

- Dysphagia specialist cups, straws, spoons etc. - all to help promote patients' independence who have a swallowing difficulty / eating and drinking impairment

- Laptops and iPads including a wide range of communication and therapy software to help support or improve patients' speech, language or communication disorders

Without donations, the charity would not be able to trial new innovative equipment, improve the patient environment or provide little extras that make real differences to our patients and their families. The money we raise will be used to support the work of services provided in our hospitals and the community to deliver the best care for patients.

Every little helps!