Not many of us could keep pace with the sort of travelling, conferences, lectures and leadership that Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub does – and he’s 83! So, it is even more special that the Professor is coming to speak with an audience of his peers, patients, supporters and friends on Thursday 12 April from 6pm at The Royal College of Physicians. 

The Professor will be interviewed about his life by BBC Newsnight journalist and broadcaster Emily Maitlis before a convivial Q&A session and drinks reception. 

So many people’s lives have been touched by the Professor – hundreds of people have been treated by him and go on to lead full and healthy lives. Many thousands more have had their lives saved by the leadership and training that the Professor leaves in his wake. 

Thank you to all the very special supporters who are joining us for this evening and especially to Bircham Dyson Bell for their sponsorship. We are producing a wonderful glossy programme to mark this event and the front cover will be a cartoon designed specially for the evening, by illustrator Gerald Scarfe CBE. 

Our programme also features the wonderful poem The Domino Hymn, written by Lord Grey Gowrie following his own life-saving heart and lung transplant at Harefield Hospital, plus quirky histories of our two hospitals. Oh, and buying a programme will also enter you into a raffle to win amazing prizes, including a stunning Aspinal signature handbag and an exclusive signed print from Gerald Scarfe. 

But it is really all about the Professor – this remarkable, humble man. What an extraordinary life he has led. And Emily Maitlis is exactly the person to highlight his achievements, decade by decade, landmark by landmark. I hope to see you there.