A domestic worker from West Cumberland Hospital has decided to organise a ball for staff, to give them something to look forward to in the Summer.

Jessie McCarron, 57, from Mirehouse, has worked as a cleaner at the hospital for eight years.

She has done several events in the past, which has benefitted hospital wards and patients at the West Cumberland Hospital and now she wants to do something to reward the staff.

She is appealing for anyone that is willing to volunteer their time and do a gig for a staff ball. She said: "We have a lot of dancing to catch up with."

She is also asking local businesses if they would like to donate items for raffle prizes, or give any party essentials such as food for the buffet, flowers and balloons.

In the past Jessie raised £1500 from a craft group she runs at the hospital. The money was gifted to the hospital's intensive care unit which bought specialised weights to build up patients muscles.

She had also been planning to hold a big fair to help the hospital further, and had 29 confirmed tables booked at Cleator Moor Civic Hall, which had agreed to offer the hall for free for the event. Then lockdown happened and it was not possible to go ahead with the fair.

Jessie set about making face masks all last year, raising £500 which went to the elderly care ward 4. It was spent on modernising the ward and got them extra equipment in the family room, including a clock with larger numbers.

She was asked what she was going to do for Easter and thought: "What about us? What about doing something for hospital staff?"

Jessie added: "We need it, we need to all come together to reflect on the year and there is all that time that staff have given up, family time and working extra shifts."

"I just hope it gives them something to look forward to and now I've got the bit between my teeth it will be going ahead."

"We so need it, we are on our knees at the moment, everyone is working flat out."

She has contacted the Marchon Club in Whitehaven and manager Anne told her they will give the use of the function room for free. They will even decorate the room. This leaves party essentials and music to source.

Jessie is contacting local businesses in the hope that they will help to make the Staff Summer Ball a reality. She has contacted Morrisons, Tesco, Crown Celebrations, Flower Basket, NISA a Penrith photo booth in the hope they might contribute.

The event will be a chance for staff to reflect and come together. It is just for staff of West Cumberland Hospital.

Two dates have been agreed with the Marchon Club, July 17 being the preferred date, but failing that, November 27. Any bands that can help with the gig, or businesses with items should contact Jessie at her facebook page: Jessie Elizabeth McCarron or call her on 07399933041.