07.08.2017

We had eight cyclists in the gruelling Prudential RideLondon last weekend – and they all did very well indeed. There were a few punctures and one snapped gear cable, not to mention steep hills and 26,000 other riders to contend with, but our team completed the 100 mile challenge and raised £10,000, which is absolutely fantastic. My son was on our team of cyclists and I am one proud mother!

 

Also, last week, we marked the end of our Appeal to redevelop Harefield’s Intensive Care Unit with a special event to thank our donors. Together, we have beaten our target of £1.1 million! Thank you everyone who supported our appeal.

 

What a remarkable building this is. Among the many benefits it will bring, the sunshine therapy area will mean that even the sickest of patients can be wheeled out in their beds to enjoy some fresh air and a new view – the terrace is fully equipped with oxygen and other medical necessities to make this possible. 

 

But we never stand still and smashed targets mean new appeals! We have just launched a fantastic new campaign. Our hashtag for this appeal is #TenLives because we will be funding ten procedures that will save ten lives. NHS funding has been withdrawn for lifesaving devices called MitraClips, which are used to fix faulty mitral valves. And yet they are amazingly efficient and effective – saving lives of patients who are too ill to undergo open heart surgery but who desperately need treatment. There are very moving stories of people who thought they would not survive but who have gone on to have full and active lives thanks to this treatment. Please do pick up a leaflet next time you’re in our hospitals, or read about our appeal on our website, as they are remarkable stories.  Not only will this appeal mean great things for patients, we also have a brilliant medical team supporting the programme and they are so thrilled that they can continue the life-saving programme they have started, even though the NHS will no longer be funding the devices.