A new day room opens at the Nightingale Macmillan Unit thanks to donations

  • Written by Rachael Vowles
  • Posted: 20 Feb 2026
  • 2 min read

The Nightingale Macmillan Unit (NMU) at the Royal Derby Hospital has officially opened its new day room – a calm, welcoming space for patients and their loved ones to spend precious time together.

The day room provides a calm, welcoming space for patients and their loved ones to spend precious time together.

What was once two small, narrow rooms has been transformed into a bright, open lounge with comfortable seating, a large-screen TV and a calming fish tank.

This project was made possible through the generosity of our supporters, whose donations and fundraising efforts have brought the vision to life. Among them were schoolgirl Evie and Mickleover Golf Club’s past Lady Captain Nicky Taylor and Captain Robert (Bob) Harwood (pictured).

Evie’s swim challenge

When Evie’s great auntie was cared for at the NMU, she decided she wanted to do something to help other families going through the same experiences. At just nine years old, she set herself an incredible challenge to swim the distance of the English Channel (21 miles) in her local pool. Her determination raised over £6,000.

Evie before her swimming challenge

Mickleover Golf Club’s charity of the year

Each year, the Captain and Lady Captain of Mickleover Golf Club select a charity to support. In their captaincy year, Nicky and Bob chose to support our charity with the funds to go to the NMU. Their fundraising was creative, fun, and community-driven, from plant and book sales to tombolas, raffles, and even a Captain’s bunker challenge.

Both Nicky and Bob had personal reasons for supporting the NMU.

“My Dad had cancer and although he didn’t stay at the unit, we were supported by the NMU nurses.”

Nicky

Seeing the finished space was a proud moment for them both.

“The day room is a great addition to an already amazing place.”

Nicky

“I feel very proud and humbled that we have helped create a space where patients can relax and hopefully forget about their problems for a while.”

Bob

Art that brings the outside in

The day room is also enhanced with commissioned artwork from Duffield-based artist Lynne Hollingsworth.

Known for her nature-inspired pieces, Lynne created a lavender design that brings a sense of the outdoors inside – a meaningful touch for patients who may not be able to leave the unit.

The design has been replicated across the unit thanks to funding from our charity’s Air Arts programme.

A message of thanks

Our Chief Officer, Jill Matthews, shared her gratitude:

“We are so fortunate to be able to open up this space for our end-of-life patients to spend time with their loved ones and it’s thanks to our generous supporters that we have been able to do this. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported this project, including Evie, Nicky and Bob.”

Jill Matthews, Chief Officer

Evie’s mum, Carly also reflected on why fundraising is so important:

“It’s important for families currently in the hospital and families that will need it in the future. You never know if you are ever going to need care in a place like the NMU.”

Thanks to the kindness and determination of people like Evie, Nicky, Bob and our wider community, the NMU’s day room is now a space filled with warmth and comfort.