On Sunday 10 September, a record-breaking 750 patients, families and staff braved the chilly winds to raise money for Harefield Hospital. More than 20 heart and lung transplant patients participated and 31 teams took part. The youngest Fun Runner was just 3 years old and our oldest participant was 96. Together, our runners and attendees raised a fantastic £34,000 with still more coming in.

Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub opened the day. He reminisced about the first Fun Run 36 years ago, saying:

It started for the transplant patients because at that time we wanted to see them get back into physical activity and become full of life after their transplants.”

Professor Yacoub added that it was:

Great to see so many people enjoying themselves.

And enjoy themselves they did!

After running and walking routes ranging from 2k to 10k, participants could browse the 38 stalls and enjoy various activities. Local food stalls satisfied our hungry runners and the kids were kept entertained with a circus workshop, Paradise Wildlife Petting Zoo, a bouncy castle and tug of war. Attendees had the opportunity to talk to volunteers at the NHS Blood & Transplant stall, who were encouraging people to sign up to the organ donation register. Our guests could enjoy performances from Harefield Hospital’s Singing for Breathing Choir and performances from the Aiming High dance group. A special thanks to the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police for holding displays for our inquisitive younger attendees.

Harefield Hospital radio station broadcast the event live and the Harefield TV camera crew were there to capture the day’s events.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us, and to our 60+ volunteers who gave up their Sundays to marshal the run, work on stalls and cheer on our runners. Special thanks to Uxbridge District Explorer Scouts & Army Cadets from the 161 Uxbridge Detachment for cheering our runners and handing out water at the end.

Each year, we retrospectively award trophies in a variety of categories. Last year's winners were: Hamsters Cup | awarded to the participant with most recent transplant  Emily Fisk Lung transplant - May-16 Professor Magdi Yacoub Shield | awarded to the individual who has raised the most money Diane Underwood - raised £2,415 last year Husband Robert had a double bypass in Sept-15 Re-Beat Club Cup | awarded to the team who has raised the most money Bhavna Lakhenpaul – Ricky’s Angels raised £5,513.85 including gift aid last year Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity Cup | awarded to the largest team entry Anbu’s Army (team of 18)