CW+, the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has launched its Christmas appeal with a powerful patient story highlighting the impact of compassionate NHS care and the importance of creating more uplifting hospital environments.
The appeal features Linda, a long-term patient at West Middlesex University Hospital who has faced cancer three times over the past decade and credits staff with saving her life. Linda’s story reflects the dedication, compassion and extraordinary care shown by NHS staff across Chelsea and Westminster and West Middlesex hospitals.
Linda, who has spent considerable time in hospital after being diagnosed with breast cancer twice as well as cancer of the uterus, describes the care she received: ‘Throughout my treatment and recovery, the staff were simply remarkable. They didn’t just do their jobs – they carried me, with warmth and humanity, through an incredibly difficult time. They saved my life. That’s the bottom line.’
Linda has shared her story in a short video to encourage support for CW+, which helps fund world-class facilities, drive innovation, and enhance patient and staff wellbeing across the Trust.
At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, donations support a wide range of CW+ programmes including:
the transformation of clinical spaces such as the new Day Surgery Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC) at West Mid
live music performances that bring calm and connection to busy wards
creative activities for patients of all ages
award-winning art and design projects that improve the hospital experience
dedicated spaces for staff to rest and recharge during long shifts
Sarah McCullough, Director of Fundraising at CW+, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Linda for sharing her experience with us. Her story captures exactly why our appeal matters. The generosity of our supporters enables us to transform hospital spaces, lift spirits and provide comfort during the most difficult times. Every donation, large or small, helps us make hospital life a little brighter for thousands of patients and staff this Christmas.’
Watch Linda’s story and donate to the CW+ Christmas Appeal 2025:
www.cwplus.org.uk/appeals/christmas-appeal-2025/
