Countess Charity Reaches £750k Goal for ICU Balcony

The Countess Charity has reached its ambitious £750,000 fundraising goal for the Blue Skies Balcony appeal.

Thanks to extensive local support, the new balcony will provide a fresh-air sanctuary for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and their families at the Countess of Chester Hospital, helping promote recovery and mental wellbeing.

Launched in 2021 as the nation emerged from Covid-19, the Blue Skies Balcony appeal quickly resonated with donors who recognised the importance of outdoor access for mental and physical health, especially for patients facing prolonged ICU stays.

The balcony will offer a peaceful, restorative space, allowing patients to connect with nature as part of their therapeutic journey.

Angie Lopez, Head of Fundraising at the Countess Charity, expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “It is wonderful that the target has been met for such a worthy cause. The people of Chester and the surrounding areas have once again pulled together to support an area of the hospital that nobody wants to find themselves in. We are so grateful that we can finally start constructing this fantastic new facility that will benefit so many patients and their families.”

Construction for the balcony began this week following a ceremonial groundbreaking, with a projected completion date in spring 2025.

The project is also receiving substantial in-kind support from Integrated Health Projects (IHP), one of the construction companies involved in the hospital’s new Women and Children’s Building. IHP is providing both labour and materials at a reduced cost, helping maximise the impact of every pound donated by the community.

By creating a space for fresh air and tranquillity, the new ICU balcony aims to make a profound difference in the experiences of patients and their loved ones during challenging times.