It was a special day for the Charity on 25 July, because we were able to bring together a group of supporters in person for the return of the London Bridges Walk. More than 100 friends of the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals walked, strode or marched across six central London Bridges to raise more than £7,500 for our Patients’ Fund.

This provides flexible support for small projects that make life just that little bit easier for patients. It funded 47 projects last year, from benches in the Transplant Garden to headsets to improve communication between staff and patients in cath labs. It was a memorable day, and not just because of the downpour we cheerfully endured.

With the relaxing of restrictions, we were also able to bring the Charity team together for an awayday last month – many thanks to our friends at Lee Bolton Solicitors for hosting us. It was the first time the whole team had been together face to face since the start of the pandemic.

We’re only a small group (18 people in total), but we had plenty of things to talk about, such as the approach we are taking to set out a new charity strategy for the next few years. The hospitals’ need for support is significant and growing, and we are determined to be there for them every step of the way. We will keep you posted on our plans.

Meanwhile, our Covid-19 Relief Fund goes from strength to strength, with more than £150,000 now raised. Thanks to your generosity, we’re about to announce a new tranche of funding vital equipment for the hospitals, so watch this space for more news.

Thank you for your support, now and always.