Johanna and Louisa discovered a shocking lack of expert medical help for their grandmother, who had been paralysed. So they called for a specialist hospital. They built and sold elaborate ornaments out of shells, raising £200 (around £25,000 in today’s money). This was enough to approach the Lord Mayor of London, who was also partially paralysed from a stroke – to get his support and gain backing for the project. He encouraged his wealthy and influential contacts to support the cause, and the hospital was established in a house at 24 Queen Square. The hospital rapidly ran out of space and over the 160 years since, has expanded into the majority of buildings surrounding the square. 

The National Hospital had humble beginnings – and as a charity, we know just how often great things can come from small ideas. As a result, we set up The Small Acorns Fund.

The fund gives front-line, clinical staff the chance to apply for funding to fast-track smaller scale projects that will have a big impact and benefit to patients. Previous successful projects have included mindfulness training to help staff teach their patients how to manage neuropathic pain; comfy, adaptive clothing for patients with reduced mobility; and mobile arm supports for the neurorehab unit to aid those affected by a stroke. These might be small changes, but the difference they can make to people’s lives are enormous.

Our aim is to raise £40,000 a year so we can respond effectively and quickly to projects ranging from £500 to £10,000 put forward by staff at The National Hospital and The Institute of Neurology.