I gather there is something called the September blues – summer’s coming to an end, the children go back to school, and so on.  There are all sorts of tips and hints out there as to how to beat them, and many of these involve exercise and getting out of doors. 

So, we have a perfect proposal to everyone – come to our 36th Harefield Fun Run & Family Day, on Sunday 10 September at Harefield Hospital. Join hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers – but don’t worry it’s not a marathon, or an endurance test – it is a Fun Run. On the other hand, some of our supporters do sprint and run the track several times, so the day has a challenge for all abilities.  For many of our supporters, it really is an amazing challenge, as they have recently undergone treatment – even transplantation – at Harefield and are keen to show what they can do.

As well as the Fun Run, there are more than 40 stalls and activities to enjoy, from food to arts and crafts, to dance displays and even a circus workshop!

This is such an important fundraising event for Harefield and this day alone will make a huge difference to our patients.  Funds raised on the day will go towards buying at least one MitraClip procedure (read more about our #TenLives appeal by clicking here) and this will truly transform the life of a patient from being critically ill, to having a new lease of life. A patient who recently benefited from a charity-funded MitraClip procedure was so ill she was housebound and had difficulty breathing.  I have just heard from the doctor who performed the operation that she is so fit and well now, that she has just joined a walking group. 

If you come to our Fun Run and support our Charity, you will be playing a part in saving a life. 

Proceeds will also go towards our Patients’ Fund, which buys things that make a stay in hospital that bit better – to read more about our Patient Fund, just click here.

“Step up to the plate and get baking for our hospital” is the cry from our Royal Brompton Fundraising Manager, Alice Eastwood.  You’ve heard of the Great British Bake Off – it’s back on our screens and we’re rather excited. But we’re far more excited about the Great Brompton Bake Off, which will take place in the hospital on 15 September.

But we’re also asking you, our wonderful supporters, to get baking throughout September and holding your very own Bake Off. This can be at your workplace, church, your child’s school, even your back yard.  Please support us by taking part and raise funds for our Children’s Ward at Royal Brompton. You can order a free fundraising pack here with all the information you need, including a simple step-by-step guide, recipes, bunting and a template poster for you to personalise. I am not a very accomplished baker myself, but I am a great buyer, so I will be there with my purse at the ready, and will treat myself – another way to cheer any September Blues!