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.