A Manx charity designed to improve facilities and support for teenagers and young adults who have complex and life-threatening medical conditions is set to benefit from the generosity of customers of the Palace Bingo.
Just over ?2,500 is being donated to 'Bridge the Gap' after a recent charity bingo night at the venue, which is part of the Best Western Palace Hotel and Casino complex. The charity works to support teenagers when their medical care is transferred from children's to adult services at the age of 16, and is working with Youth Services and Noble's Hospital to create the position of a Youth Worker at the hospital.
The funds raised at the event will help to equip the Bridge the Gap POD, which the charity is providing at Noble’s Hospital. The POD will be the base for a youth worker and will provide an age-appropriate environment for teenagers and young adults who are well enough to spend time away from the adult wards. Plans for the POD should be released in the next few weeks.
Bridge the Gap was established by Foxdale resident, Fiona Barker, who commented: "We really are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the Manx public at our charity bingo event and would like to thank everyone who donated the fantastic raffle prizes, everyone who attended the evening and also all of the staff at the Palace Bingo for providing a fantastic buffet, as well as their help and support on the night.”
Philomena Teager, Manager of the Palace Bingo, added: "We are delighted that such a significant amount of money was raised for Bridge the Gap at the recent bingo night to support the work of a very worthwhile charity. It was also great to see a number of new faces enjoying their first experience of bingo whilst raising funds for a great cause!"
A website (www.bridgethegap.im) has been established to link young patients and their families to information and support for various complex medical conditions, in addition to a successful Facebook community page. Further information can be obtained by emailing contact@bridgethegap.im.
Photo - l-r Fiona Barker (Bridge the Gap) receives a cheque for ?2,515 from Philomena Teager, Manager of the Palace Bingo.
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