Taking its name from a young local girl, Donna Louise Hackney, who sadly died from a life-limiting condition at the age of sixteen, The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice was first registered as a charity in 1999; responding to the need for a children’s hospice for both Staffordshire and Cheshire.  Fundraising allowed for a community nursing team to be established in 2002; providing care for children and families in their homes.  In August 2003 the doors opened on a purpose-built and fully equipped hospice to ensure that a high-quality palliative care service is available in the local area.

TF Solutions is one of the largest distributors of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in the UK and has supported The Donna Louise Hospice as their nominated charity over the last 10 years, through numerous fundraising events. Supported by an array of volunteers, this donation is the second occasion that TF Solutions have collaborated with long-term partner Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK to supply and install air conditioning equipment into the hospice; the first being back in 2015.

Dedicating time to install the project, Simon Dunkley, managing director of The Air Conditioning & Ventilation Company said: “It’s such a pleasure to be able to give time and resource to assist with such a worthy cause.  The installation serves a mixture of bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and offices.  Ducted units were used and located in the loft space to allow any service activities to take place in the future, without having to disturb any families occupying quite sensitive areas.”

Speaking about the system selection, Ian Carroll, chief operating officer, Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK said:  “The adjustable external static pressure on each of the ducted units meant that the air movement through each room could be carefully set to the most appropriate level, creating a noise and draught free environment. Individual control was provided to each area for complete localisation in terms of environment.  Being a not-for-profit organisation, operating costs are always a primary concern for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, so the highly efficient Airstage VR-II Heat Recovery system was ideal. This is much more cost effective than an alternative wet heating system; with the added benefit of the cooling aspect, will create a perfect comfort level all year round.”

Jane Jones, head of care at The Donna Louise Hospice said: “This amazing gift has made such a big difference to the children, young people and families.  The staff love it too! Many of the children who spend a lot of time in wheelchairs get so warm and uncomfortable. Many suffer from painful muscles and can’t sleep well due to overheating, but not anymore.” She continued: “We have had such positive comments from parents, all saying what a generous gift this is.

The team from TF Solutions and their helpers were so friendly and accommodating and really put the needs of the children and young people first; often changing their plans at short notice. A big thank you to all involved, we really are bowled over by your generosity and support.”

Both Fujitsu and TF Solutions are proud to sponsor such a worthy cause.  Andy Cherrill, managing director, TF Solutions said: “Each time we do something to support this fantastic Hospice it makes me extremely proud.  As before we have called upon others to support TF in making this installation happen and I can’t thank enough Fujitsu, my team here at TF and the very generous group of customers who gave up their time to help.  Visiting the Hospice is always a wonderful experience, meeting the children, families and staff, who are always so happy and full of life. Continuing to do anything to make the children more comfortable through challenging times is what TF will endeavour to do.”

TF Solutions would like to thank all other companies involved for the time given to the project: 316 Building Services, Active AI, Bailey Air Conditioning, Castle Climate, Climate and Power.