The generosity of two junior football clubs means people receiving care in Livewell Southwest’s mental health inpatient units are in for a sweet surprise this Easter. 
Pictured: Eve Redmond with Jake Moody (aged 9) and Tommy Moody (aged 4), the sons of Mount Gould U6s and U11s football coach, Adam Moody. Copyright Adam Moody.
Eve Redmond, a Referral Coordinator at the Glenbourne Unit, put out an appeal online for Easter egg donations as she hoped to bring a little joy to patients who might not be able to go home or see loved ones over the holiday. The response far exceeded her expectations.
Eve said: “Not all our patients will get to spend Easter with their families, and sometimes a small gesture like receiving an Easter egg can make a big difference to their day.
“I had a wonderful response. We received more than one hundred eggs, including an incredible donation of more than 70 from Mount Gould Under 6s and Under 11s Football Club.”
Adam Moody, coach for the two teams, shared the personal reason behind their heartfelt donation: “When I was younger, my mum spent time at Glenbourne as she lived with bipolar disorder. I was around the same age as my eldest son is now, and not having my mum around was hard. My sons never got to meet their nanny, but being able to support others in the same place she once stayed brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.”
Pictured: (Left) Adam with his mum when he was young, and (right) present day with his sons Jake and Tommy. Copyright Adam Moody.
Adam explained how the teams quickly rallied around the cause. “I told the other parents why I wanted to support the appeal, and they all donated money. My partner Sue then went from supermarket to supermarket to find the best-priced eggs.
“I just want to wish all the patients and staff spending time in hospital a very happy Easter. Not everyone will have someone visiting them, but I hope they can come together and enjoy an Easter egg.”
Thanks to the overwhelming response, Eve was able to extend the Easter cheer far beyond Glenbourne, which is an acute mental health hospital in Plymouth for adults who are too unwell to be treated at home. Patients at Syrena House, Greenfields, Lee Mill Hospital, Plym Bridge House, and the Edgcumbe Unit will all receive an Easter egg.
Syrena House helps people transition from secure services back into the community, while Greenfields and Lee Mill Hospital offer specialist recovery care for women and men, respectively, with severe and enduring mental health challenges. Plym Bridge House supports teenagers with complex mental health needs, and the Edgcumbe Unit provides a safe and homely environment for those living with advanced dementia or cognitive impairments.
Eve said: “All the wards and units were incredibly happy and grateful to receive the eggs. It’s heartwarming to see such kindness from people in Plymouth.”
Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive of Livewell Southwest, said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Adam, his teams, and their families for their incredibly generous gesture.
“At Livewell, we’re deeply committed to supporting our local community, and it’s genuinely moving to feel that support returned to us in such a heart-warming way.
“On behalf of everyone we care for who will benefit from these generous Easter donations—thank you.”