Steelworks' hospital donation in memory of worker's mum

A STEEL firm swelled the coffers of a charity appeal offering respite to terminal patients and their families.
Outokumpu Stainless employee Philip Bray (right) with Barry Mellor, chair of the charitable funds committee.Outokumpu Stainless employee Philip Bray (right) with Barry Mellor, chair of the charitable funds committee.
Outokumpu Stainless employee Philip Bray (right) with Barry Mellor, chair of the charitable funds committee.

Sheffield-based Outokumpu Stainless Limited donated £450 to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, in memory of one employee's mum.

The money will aid the charity's Purple Butterfly Appeal, which aims to furnish a fourth suite for end-of-life patients at Rotherham Hospital.

Employee Philip Bray, a ladle arc unit leader from Clifton, wanted to honour the memory Patricia Bray.

He said: “The Purple Butterfly Appeal is something close to my heart, because my mum was so well cared for in a Purple Butterfly Room before she passed away in 2016, aged 75, after battling lung cancer.

“I thought the room was marvellous and such a comfort for not just my mum but all our family. 

“It meant we could spend some quality time together in private with my mum when she really needed us.

“I asked the charity committee at Outokumpu Stainless Limited if they would consider supporting the appeal after my mum passed away and I was thrilled when they said yes.”

The hospital’s three Purple Butterfly rooms provide privacy, dignity, space and a home-from-home for patients nearing the end of their lives, their families, friends and carers.