Community pharmacist takes fundraising to new heights for Time Garden Appeal

A local pharmacist is preparing to step over the edge of Ipswich Hospital’s iconic tower this June to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Rainbow Pharmacy Superintendent Pharmacist Ashwin Bhatt will take part in the Extreme Abseil on Saturday 6 June in support of Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and its Time Garden Appeal. 

The appeal aims to create a peaceful outdoor space at Ipswich Hospital for patients receiving end-of-life care and their loved ones, offering somewhere calm and comforting to spend precious time together. 

Ashwin decided to take on the 135ft challenge after his grandmother received end-of-life care at Ipswich Hospital last year. 

He said: “The end-of-life services were simply second to none. The team were brilliant and we wanted to do something to give back. 

“Nobody wants to lose someone in hospital, but the care and compassion shown to my grandmother and our family meant so much to us. We visited every day and the staff were incredibly supportive during such a difficult time. 

“The Time Garden would make such a difference to families. To have access to a peaceful space and access to a private garden during those moments would be truly special.” 

Ashwin and his team at Rainbow Pharmacy have thrown themselves behind the fundraising effort, with collection tins, posters, community fundraising and a raffle all helping to raise money for the appeal. 

The pharmacy, which has served the local community for more than 40 years, has already seen an outpouring of support from patients, customers and local businesses. 

Colleague Sharon Lucas from Rainbow Pharmacy said: “Ashwin has shown incredible dedication and commitment to this cause, and it has genuinely brought our whole team and our patients together. 

“Many people in our community have personal experiences of the care provided by our hospitals, so there has been a real sense of compassion and support around this fundraiser. It has been truly uplifting to see the kindness and generosity people have shown already.” 

Grace Wilson, assistant fundraising and events manager at Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to Ashwin and the whole team at Rainbow Pharmacy for the incredible support they are showing for our Time Garden Appeal. 

“It’s wonderful to see the local community coming together in this way, inspired by Ashwin’s personal experience and his determination to give back. Every pound raised will help us create a calm and comforting space for patients and families when they need it most.” 

The Extreme Abseil, proudly sponsored by Eastern Lift Services Ltd, will see participants descend 135ft down Ipswich Hospital’s tower across the weekend of 6 and 7 June. 

To support Ashwin’s fundraising or find out more about the Extreme Abseil, visit: Ashwin Bhatt is fundraising for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity