With so many of our supporters and hospital staff away on holiday in August, this month is great for planning, finishing and sorting. It’s really rather useful – even if it does mean September is very, very busy!

For instance, this is a time when we can look forward to our Royal Brompton Carols by Candlelight Concert at the stunning St Luke’s Church in Chelsea on Monday 18 December. Charles Dickens married Catherine Hogarth here in 1836, so it seems a rather fitting venue for a Christmas carol concert! As well as a hand-picked selection of choirs, we will also be joined by two wonderful readers – broadcaster and newsreader, Emily Maitlis and Poldark actor John Nettles. If you’re feeling particularly organised, why not secure your tickets now?

Harefield will also be celebrating with a free carol concert at the village’s most historic building – St Mary’s – on Thursday 14 December. 

But back to the here and now… thank you to all the wonderful people who have registered to take part in the Harefield Fun Run & Family Day on Sunday 10 September. This day is packed to the rafters with activities, displays, stalls – and of course the all-important 10k or 5k Fun Runs or walk. People come to celebrate and remember, to get involved and give back. Harefield Hospital means so much to so many people and this becomes abundantly clear on this special day. And it doesn’t matter if you’re not sporty – come join us for a bite to eat, the amazing atmosphere and the last of the summer sun. 

In the last couple of weeks, we have also launched our Summer Raffle as part of our #HeartofPICU Appeal to raise funds for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Royal Brompton. If you are passing the Charity Hub, opposite the Coffee Shop in Sydney Street, please do call by, grab your tickets and be a part of a wonderful transformation of the reception area, so families of critically ill children feel more at ease from the moment they walk into this special ward. You can also purchase a book of five online. There are great prizes to be won and you never know…! Good luck!

Another way you can help us raise funds for our #HeartofPICU Appeal is by taking part in our Great Brompton Bake Off.

We will be holding a Bake Off in the hospital for staff, patients and visitors, but we’re also asking the crafty bakers among you (and the amateur ones like me!) to host your very own Bake Off. Simply choose where and when in September you would like to hold your event. Order your special fundraising pack including a simple step-by-step guide and recipes for free now. Happy baking! 

I’d like to end this week’s post by thanking all of you who have taken part in challenges to raise funds for the Charity and for our special appeals. We truly appreciate all the effort that goes into training, organising, asking friends and families to sponsor you and so on. Please do keep helping us to help our hospitals. There’s so much more coming up – do take a look at our events page and be part of our team!