Date: 24th July 2025

At the Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC), we’re proud to fund projects that not only enhance patient care but also reflect the values of our diverse community. One recent initiative we’ve supported is making resuscitation training at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) in Birmingham more inclusive — and it’s already making a real difference.

“Historically, resuscitation manikins used for CPR training have lacked diversity, with the familiar white ‘Annie’ manikins dominating training sessions across the UK. However, research shows that ethnicity can significantly influence the likelihood of a cardiac arrest victim receiving life-saving interventions like CPR and defibrillation, particularly in community settings” Resuscitation lead Phill Bell.

The Trust successfully applied to ROC for £23,000 to improve their stock of training equipment and ensure it better represents the local community.

Thanks to this funding, the Trust has now purchased a range of Afro-Caribbean Basic Life Support (BLS) manikins that provide instant feedback on CPR quality. Alongside these, they’ve invested in a high-resolution, life-like manikin and the latest clinical observation training equipment to enhance emergency response training.

These resources have been put to excellent use:

• Training courses within the hospital at all levels — from basic to advanced — now benefit from this improved, more representative equipment.
• Local universities and conferences have welcomed the manikins too, raising awareness of both CPR techniques and the hospital’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrations at public events have sparked valuable conversations about health inequalities and the importance of immediate action in cardiac emergencies.

In addition to the manikins, the high-definition clinical training equipment has been instrumental in teaching staff to recognise patient deterioration early, with a focus on improving sepsis recognition and treatment compliance. This technology supports interactive training that prepares staff for high-pressure situations, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.

While all the original funding has now been allocated, the impact of this project continues to grow. The Resuscitation Team is expanding its services to train healthcare professionals from other NHS Trusts, generating income to further enhance the programme.

The new manikins will also feature in promotional materials, showcasing that anyone attending training at ROH will learn using the latest, most advanced equipment available, thanks to ROC.

A Visible Commitment to Inclusion

This initiative stands as a meaningful demonstration of The ROH’s commitment to equality. It ensures that the Trust’s training resources reflect the community it serves and helps raise awareness of health inequalities in emergency care.

ROC are proud to have supported this important project — one that not only saves lives but champions inclusivity.

Date: 5th August 2025

The Theatres team at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) play a vital role in delivering outstanding patient care. Comprising of theatre nurses, anaesthetists, assistants, operating department practitioners, and more, the team represents a quarter of the hospital’s total workforce. Their expertise and dedication are critical to the hospital’s daily operations.

Often working long shifts in demanding and high-pressure environments, the team consistently demonstrates professionalism, resilience, and compassion. Recognising the need to support staff wellbeing, ROC was proud to fund the redesign of the theatre reception area, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for team members and visitors alike.

This initiative marks the first phase in a broader programme of improvements aimed at boosting morale and creating a more positive working environment within the Theatres department.

A team member commented:

“Thanks for making this possible—it’s causing quite a stir down here, in the best way. Staff are saying it lifts their mood, reminds them of sunny days, and brings a real sense of brightness. It’s made a big difference, so thank you for bringing our vision to life.”

By supporting projects like this, ROC continues to invest in the people who make the hospital’s exceptional care possible—helping staff feel valued, supported, and inspired every day.

Date: 24th July 2025

In early 2025, Ian reached out to the Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) to discuss a generous legacy left by his late father, Sid Wilkinson, in his Will.

Ian and his family were eager to ensure the gift would fund a meaningful and tangible project—one that would leave a lasting impact, particularly for children and young people receiving care at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

“Dad had three hip operations at ROH and received excellent treatment each time. One of his sisters was also a patient and, again, received wonderful care. He wanted the ROH to know how much he appreciated their kindness” – Ian

After thoughtful conversations with the Children and Young People’s Outpatient Department, the family chose to fund a bespoke sensory wall, which was installed in June. Created to foster a calm and supportive environment, the wall is already making a significant difference to young patients and their families during outpatient visits.

The clinical team shared the following insight into its impact:

“The panels provide our patients with a positive distraction and help siblings with self-regulation in a hospital setting. The tactile surfaces offer sensory stimulation and support a calm atmosphere—especially for patients with learning differences, who may find appointments overwhelming. Sensory environments are an important and reasonable adjustment for children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs.”

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This project is a powerful example of how a legacy gift can create meaningful, lasting change—supporting patient wellbeing, enriching the care environment, and reflecting the compassion and values of those who choose to give.

Leaving a gift in your Will to ROC is a deeply personal and impactful way to support the hospital’s future—enabling continued investment in patient care, research, and specialist services for generations to come.

“From my point of view, it’s lovely to know that—even though we miss him terribly—he leaves behind a legacy that will be enjoyed by many children for years to come.” – Ian

A huge thank you goes out to Sid, Ian, and the entire family for their incredible generosity. This meaningful gift will make a lasting difference to young patients at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

If you’ve been inspired by Sid’s legacy and would like to learn how you can support the hospital, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with the ROC team by emailing roc@nhs.net or calling 0121 685 4379.

When Grace Winterburn was just 7 years old, her life changed with a diagnosis of severe scoliosis — a condition where the spine curves, sometimes severely enough to affect breathing, digestion, and heart function. In Grace’s case, she had a dramatic S-shaped curve in her spine, measuring 90 and 60 degrees. 

After being referred to The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) in Birmingham, Grace and her family were supported by the dedicated team on Ward 11 as she prepared for life-changing spinal fusion surgery at just 11 years old. 

Grace recalls one particular moment from those early hours after surgery: 

“I remember waking up in intensive care, and the first thing I tried to do was sing. I’ve always loved to sing, like I was performing, and it was the one thing I worried about most — that it might affect my voice.” 

The 12-hour operation involved placing two titanium rods and 23 screws into her spine to help straighten and support it. The recovery was long and challenging, but even as a child, Grace approached it with incredible strength and determination. 

Now, a decade later, Grace continues to show that a scoliosis diagnosis doesn’t have to hold you back. At 21, she marked the 10th anniversary of her surgery by taking on the Birmingham Half Marathon — raising an incredible £7,500 for the Royal Orthopaedic Charity. The funds will go directly to the Children and Young People’s Outpatients Department and Spinal Care Service at ROH — the very teams who cared for her during her treatment. 

Grace shared what it felt like to revisit the hospital where so much of her journey began: 

“Today I revisited the hospital where I had my spinal fusion done, and goodness me what an emotional but empowering day it was! To revisit these stairs, which I had to climb up before being sent home, to now running up and down them, made me remember why I am able to live the life I am able to.” 

Reflecting on the race itself, Grace said: 

“I was nervous at the start, but it felt important to take it all in. For me, it was a way to recognise how far I’ve come and show others with scoliosis that you can still take on big challenges.” 

Today, Grace uses her experience to raise awareness and support others going through similar treatment. Through her podcast, @Screwloosepodcast, and social media platforms, she shares honest conversations about recovery, the importance of blood donation, and life after spinal surgery. 

She’s also keen to highlight just how vital blood donors were to her survival: 

“the team quickly realised I’d lost too much blood after surgery and needed a blood transfusion. Thank you to anyone who donates blood, I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for whoever donated that blood. It saves lives” 

Grace is passionate about ensuring the funds she raised create lasting, meaningful change for young patients at ROH. 

“We’ll be working directly with the teams to make sure Grace’s donation is invested in the areas she cares most about,” said Elaine Bunn, Fundraising Officer at the Royal Orthopaedic Charity. “Grace will be involved every step of the way.” 

In June 2025, Grace returned to ROH to present the funds, revisit the departments, and reconnect with the clinicians who had cared for her 10 years earlier. 

“Visiting the hospital where I had spinal fusion. Turning up there and seeing the building brought back so many memories for me. Its where I was told I wasn’t going to have a back brace, where I was told I needed life changing surgery, where I had my surgery, where I re-learnt to walk. So many things happened that it felt really emotional to go back” 

In recognition of her advocacy and passion, Grace has also joined the ROCstar programme, the Royal Orthopaedic Charity’s ambassador initiative. She’ll be helping to raise awareness and funds in new, creative ways over the next 12 months. 

Grace’s story is a brilliant reminder of how patient experiences can shape the future of care and inspire others to overcome their own challenges. 

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The most ever raised for ROC!

Date: 10th May 2025

On Sunday 5th May, 19 fundraisers ran The Great Birmingham Run raising nearly £10,000 including gift aid support, for various departments across The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH). 

A mixture of patients, friends and families of patients, staff and medical students all took to the streets of Birmingham to raise both awareness and funds for Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC). 

Grace, a scoliosis patient at ROH travelled down from Manchester especially for the event in which she had been training for over 3 months, raised over £1,200 and a huge amount of awareness. Grace is a young sprightly fundraiser and is really passionate about raising awareness about spinal care. She has recently started her own podcast (instagram.com/thescrewloosepodcast/) sharing her experiences of various conditions, the main one being scoliosis. 

“If you or a loved one has spinal fusion or scoliosis then the screw loose podcast is a must-listen!” Grace – ScrewLoosePodcast 

Joel also approached us earlier in the year looking to support ROC and give back to ROH. Joel was transferred from Doncaster to the specialist spinal team at ROH after a rugby accident.  

“I was transferred to the specialists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital at Birmingham where a biopsy was carried out on 12th October which confirmed a diagnosis of Fibrous Dysplasia.  FD is a benign bone condition in which abnormal fibrous tissue develops in place of normal bone.  

With the C2 fracture still unstable I had surgery on 14th December with Mr S Hughes (Consultant Spinal Surgeon) to fuse my C1 to C3 with metalwork. After months/years of consultations, x-rays and CT scans at the ROH i thought it’s now time for me to give something back. ” – Fundraiser Joel 

Joel rallied his two brothers and five friends to join him in the challenge — and together, they achieved an incredible result. Between them over £4,400 was raised to support our general appeal. 

Other fundraisers consisted of ROH staff, Brett and Judith. Both avid fundraisers who turn out for us time and time again and smash their fundraising targets. Some would even call them ROCstars.  

As well as a group of medical students currently at Warwick hospital who choose ROC to run for this year.  

“We’re a group of six medical students from Warwick who’ve bonded over our interest in orthopaedics — whether it was seeing a hip replacement for the first time, chatting to patients during placements, or watching someone walk again after surgery, we’ve all been inspired in different ways. Taking on the Great Birmingham Run felt like a small way we could give back to the hospitals that had a big impact on us.” 

Together, they raised more than four times the amount raised at last year’s Great Birmingham Run — the most ROC has ever raised through the event.  

“This certainly is a team high for us. It shows the impact fundraisers can make when they come together. I hope this helps others see the importance of supporting small charities like ours in future” Charlotte Thornwell – Community Fundraiser

A huge thank you to all those who fundraised for ROC this year, we really could not have made such an impact without you.

If you fundraised for ROC and would like to be featured on our website, email us on roc@nhs.net

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Date: 24th April 2025

A huge thank you goes out to Kennedy’s Law for donating over 60 easter eggs for patients visiting the Children and Young People’s Outpatients Department at ROH last week. Kennedy’s also went out of the way to supply diary free alternatives for those that required them.

Kennedy’s have also agreed to match fund the price of the eggs to support ROC’s Children and Young People’s appeal. Which supports young patients and their families through their hospital journey.

For young people and their families, a hospital visit can be a daunting task. Donations like this one help put a smile on their faces after what could have been a really hard appointment.

Patients and families visiting the department are egg-static!

My story started in January 2021. One evening, I folded my arms and felt a lump in my right upper arm. I thought to myself it was probably just muscular. After a couple of weeks, it didn’t appear to be getting any smaller, so I rang my GP, who immediately sent me for an ultrasound scan. It was quite clear from the screen that there was some form of mass in my triceps. Over the next few weeks, things moved quite quickly with x-rays and an MRI scan, following which I was contacted by the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

I started to realise that this was a lot more serious than I originally thought and how it may impact my life as a guitarist with my band Witcher, my love of driving, DIY, and general day-to-day living. Within 2 months, I had a CT scan and biopsy at ROH. Resulting in being told that I had a soft tissue pleomorphic Sarcoma, finally I knew what it was. My treatment plan would involve an operation following radiotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Which meant a 26-mile journey up and down the M5, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks. Fortunately, some good friends took me and my wife, Sarah, every day, which took the pressure off us, and we will always be extremely grateful for what they did for me. The treatment I received under Dr. Peake and his team was first-class.

Following the CT and MRI scan, we met my consultant, Mr. Scott Evans. Upon meeting Scott, I immediately felt relatively at ease and comfortable. As he explained to my wife and me, the seriousness of my operation meant that I could lose sensation in my whole arm. Or the worst-case scenario, being that I could lose my arm. My mind was now working overtime, trying to take in what I had been told. I said, “hang on a minute” as I showed Scott a picture of me playing guitar on my phone. “This is what I do.” He took my phone and asked me what sort of music I played, so bizarrely, we sat and chatted about music, and then he assured me he would do the very best to save my arm. We were then introduced to Miss Foong, who would be assisting Scott with the surgery, and a date was then set for August 23rd, 2021.

We then had to tell our family about how bad the outcome could be, but they couldn’t have been any more supportive of myself and Sarah.

Following my operation, I was relieved to find my right arm still there and my hand still functioning. I was told they had removed 2 of the tricep muscles and managed to save my nerves. I left the hospital 5 days later. Following some physiotherapy and help with lymphedema, life was good, and I was back gigging regularly with the band.

Everything was fine over the next 15 months until my arm started to ache, and I got in touch with the ROH. Immediately after I had an MRI, x-ray, PET scan, and biopsy, it was confirmed that I had a recurrence of Sarcoma in my remaining tricep. I knew in my own mind at this point that I was going to lose my arm and that my life was going to change forever.

So I went back to see Scott, and he told me my PET scan was clear and that the cancer was confined to my remaining tricep. As I suspected, the best way to keep me alive would be to lose my arm at the shoulder. Everyone in the room was surprised by my reaction, but I knew what was coming and had already accepted it. A date for the surgery was arranged with Scott and Miss Foong for February 27th, 2023. This left me with about 4 weeks to prepare for life without my right arm. I started to learn how to do everything with my left hand alone. I knew I was going to need an automatic car so I could continue to drive, and within a week, that was sorted.

We had a trip to the Forest of Dean for a short break with family the week before the operation. First thing on Monday, February 27, I was off to ROH for the operation.

Scott arrived to speak to me before I went to the theatre, and we had a good chat. My operation went well, and the care I received from the nursing team and medical staff at ROH was exceptional. By Friday teatime, I was home having a roast dinner.

After 6 weeks, I attended my driving assessment and had the necessary modifications made to my steering wheel, enjoying driving again and getting my freedom back. Not being able to play my guitar was a massive blow, but a friend said, “why don’t you take up the keyboard?” I laughed at first, thinking, “how do you play a keyboard with one hand?” As I had never touched a keyboard in my life, so I thought, “why the hell not?” Within 5 months of losing my arm, I was back on stage with my band. There was no way I was going to sit back and let the loss of my arm beat or define me. To me, everything is about problem solving, and I’ve not lost an arm; I lost cancer.

On my journey, I have met some truly amazing people throughout the NHS. Here’s a list of massive thank-yous. My GP in Worcester, the CT & X Ray department at Kidderminster Hospital, Worcester Royal Hospital, physiotherapy and lymphedema clinics, Redditch Hospital’s MRI department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Radiotherapy Department, and ALL staff involved in my care and treatment at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

I would particularly like to send a MASSIVE thank you to Mr. Scott Evans and his team. Gabriella Stefan and all the Macmillan nurses, the amazing Miss Foong, and her team. Birmingham Amputee and Rehabilitation Clinic and the Carole Hughes Macmillan support line.

Finally, to my son-in-law Brad, who ran the Manchester Marathon and raised a fantastic £2000 for the Royal Orthopaedic Charity, and to my wonderful wife Sarah and family for all your love and support.

Despite Nigel’s bravery and fight, his cancer returned in early 2024 and he sadly passed away in the October of that year.  His family would like to continue sharing his story to give hope and inspiration to others and will be forever grateful to ROH for giving them additional years with Nigel.

Health Hacks phase 1 – Spring 2025

On Wednesday 2nd April, ROC launched Phase 1 of Health Hacks at Bournville All-Through School, delivering an interactive and educational workshop to Year 4 and Year 5 students. The workshop was designed to educate pupils about their bodies, encourage healthier lifestyles and promote musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention. 

The morning began with a session led by physiotherapists, who introduced students to the roles of bones and muscles in the body. Through a series of interactive games, children explored how their bodies move and respond to different challenges. Activities included a tap the light reaction game to test coordination and speed, balance drills where students stood on one leg while reaching for cones and a balloon throw challenge combining balance and movement to develop control and stability. These activities helped students understand the importance of physical activity in maintaining strong muscles and joints while keeping them engaged and excited to learn. The session also focused on general well-being, where children learnt about the importance of diet, sleep and exercise. They discovered how factors like healthy foods, regular movement and good rest contribute to overall health, helping them understand how to take care of their bodies. 

The next session, led by Trauma and Orthopaedic Doctors, focused on the skeletal system and common injuries. Students had the opportunity to examine real X-rays, identifying different bones and spotting fractures. They also took part in a hands-on activity where they applied wool and crepe bandages to themselves and their classmates, mimicking the process of casting broken bones.

One pupil said, “I definitely want to be a doctor when I’m older.”

These activities sparked a lively Q&A, where students asked questions about health, injuries and anatomy.  

To conclude the workshop, students were given a community task, which is Phase 2 of Health Hacks. Their mission is to take the knowledge they’ve gained and share it with their families, friends or carers, creating a plan to incorporate these healthy habits into their daily routines over the next four weeks. 

In two weeks time, ROC will revisit the school to check in with the students to see how they’ve applied their learning at home. Then, on 1st May, they will move into Phase 3 with a visit to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. During the visit, students will experience a day in the life of various healthcare professionals, gaining insight into their roles. They will also have the chance to present their experiences and findings from the community challenge and finish with an exciting tour of the hospital.  

Click here to find out more about the Health Hacks initiative and our goals going forward.

If you would like to become part of the ROC Health Hacks community, email us on roc@nhs.net.

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Supporting Safeguarding of patients & Staff at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

Meet Skha – Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Advocate

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust’s Safeguarding Team has introduced a new Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Advocate role which is proudly Funded by ROC.

This is a significant step in supporting victims and survivors within the healthcare setting, offering dedicated support above and beyond what the Trust is usually able to provide.

Many victims face significant barriers to seeking help, including fear, stigma, and lack of awareness of available resources. As the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Advocate (DASVA), Skha is dedicated to ensuring no one at ROH navigates these challenges alone.

Skha has worked in various advocacy and frontline roles, including Regional Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Domestic Abuse Practitioner, and Domestic Abuse Lead Worker. She has also collaborated with Non – Governmental Organisations internationally on gender-based violence prevention, research, and policy development.

Her mission is to ensure victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence are heard, believed, and empowered. She provides direct support to patients and staff, conducts risk assessments, safety planning and collaborates with multi-agency partners to ensure holistic care and support, including referrals to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference, social services, and specialist support organisations.

Since taking on the role, Skha has supported 25 patients and staff members and played a key role in awareness campaigns, including the “16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women and Girls” and a recent sexual violence awareness roadshow. She is currently conducting a Sexual Violence Awareness Audit to assess staff readiness in handling disclosures related to sexual violence by patients and staff in line with the NHS sexual safety charter.

Moving forward, Skha will continue supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence, developing training materials, enhancing care pathways, and embedding this role into Trust’s operations. This charity-funded position reflects the Trust’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for its patients and staff members.

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Sunday 4th May 2025

Take on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run and raise money for ROC! Whether you go for the 10K or the half marathon, you’ll be part of the Midlands’ biggest running event, complete with en-route entertainment and a finish line celebration that feels like a party!

Run with #TeamROH, feel the Birmingham spirit and make a difference for patients and staff at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

1️⃣ Email roc@nhs.net to express your interest.
2️⃣ We’ll send you a short sign-up form.
3️⃣ Once completed, we’ll cover your entrance fee and help you secure your place in the run.
4️⃣ Set up your fundraising page and watch the support roll in! Not to mention, ROC will be on hand to promote your page to help boost your fundraising total.