History

This fundraising organisation was formed to support the Fleming Memorial Hospital for Sick Children. The first meeting of the Fleming Fund Committee was held in the boardroom of Barclays Bank on Thursday 27th January 1949 at 2:30pm. The original committee consisted of local businessmen and women. The minutes of the first meeting record that Matron would be consulted about suitable purchases, which would benefit the children and their families. It also recorded that there were 120 subscribers to the fund.

Over the years, the name has changed. Originally "Friends of the Fleming", this name was used until 1987 when the Children's Hospital closed and the services transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary. As the children's wards were all located in the same part of the hospital, the name was changed to "Friends of the Fleming Children's Wing R V I."

Although the name of the organisation and the location of the patients changed, the function of the organisation did not. Fund raising events continued and a greater number of children benefited. The annual Garden Fete is now held in the grounds of the RVI with other events in and around the RVI and Freeman Hospitals.

The amalgamation of Children's Services, between Newcastle General Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, increased the number of wards and departments requiring support. There was a further increase when all three acute hospitals and the community formed one NHS Trust in Newcastle and the children's wards and departments in Freeman Hospital were included. This fundraising organisation now supports children in hospital and in the community.

In 2001, in order to reflect current changes and the future application for charitable status, the name was changed again to the Fleming Children's Trust.

In 2008, to be better reflect the work of the charity the name was changed to Newcastle Childrens Hospitals Charity.