IMPERIAL HEALTH CHARITY'S MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2026
H E L P I N G O U R H O S P I TA L S D O M O R E
INSIDE: Meet Mr Widget, the newest member of our volunteering team (page 12)
'PILL SCHOOL' CHANGES CHILDREN'S LIVES New training for children thanks to our grant. PAGE 7
NEW GARDEN FOR ST MARY'S Matt Lucas opens first garden space for staff at St Mary's Hospital. PAGE 8
LONDON MARATHON IS UP AND RUNNING We've got 100 places for bumper two-day event. PAGE 13
CHARING CROSS • HAMMERSMITH • QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S & CHELSEA • ST MARY’S • WESTERN
BELOW: St Mary's Hospital Intensive Care Unit staff receive a visit from comedian Matt Lucas
Welcome to Focus, your quarterly magazine from Imperial Health Charity.
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ummer presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and places that make such a difference to patients, families and NHS staff every day. This issue, we're delighted to mark the opening of Milne's Corner, our beautiful new wellbeing garden at St Mary's Hospital. Officially opened by actor, comedian and long-standing NHS supporter Matt Lucas, the garden provides staff with a peaceful space to rest and recharge, reflecting our continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of those who care for us all. Also in this issue, you'll meet two remarkable volunteers whose stories span almost a century. Bringing together one of our longest-serving volunteers, aged 98, with one of the youngest members of our youth volunteering programme offers a fascinating insight into how the spirit of volunteering continues to inspire people of every generation. You'll also read about the power of partnership as we celebrate ten years of collaboration between Imperial Health Charity, CBRE and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Together, we've transformed hospital environments, supported innovative projects and improved experiences for thousands of patients, visitors and staff – demonstrating what can be achieved when organisations work towards a shared goal. As ever, our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters like you. If you're able to support our latest appeal to raise £1 million for the Western Eye Hospital, you can read more about how your donation will help create a more welcoming, accessible environment for patients at the back of this magazine.
Gail Scott-Spicer Chief Executive, Imperial Health Charity
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Sharing history at the Alexander Fleming Museum
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id you know that in 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin at St Mary's Hospital? Our volunteering programme is proud to support the Alexander Fleming Museum, which is based at St Mary’s Hospital and houses Fleming’s restored laboratory, documenting how he discovered the revolutionary antibiotic drug. Tours of the museum are given by our volunteers, including Ruth, who we spoke to about her role and why she loves showing visitors around the space: “As a museum guide, I can help to bring Fleming’s story to life. I love watching the faces of visitors when they first step into the laboratory and realise that they’re in the exact spot where penicillin was discovered. “We meet people from around the world – sometimes visitors are on their way to an appointment at the hospital or off to Paddington on their way to Heathrow! “It is a privilege to be a volunteer with the Imperial Health Charity and to be part of our remarkable NHS.” Next time you’re at St Mary’s, why not visit the museum and learn more about Fleming’s discovery? Our volunteers would be delighted to welcome you and show you around Fleming’s laboratory! 4
ABOVE (From left): Charity CEO, Gail Scott-Spicer, CBRE's Andrew Murray & Alex Snowman, and Charity Director of Finance and Resources Graeme Hood
Celebrating ten years of partnership
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mperial Health Charity was proud to join CBRE and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in celebrating ten years of partnership at a special anniversary event in July. The evening recognised a decade of collaboration built on shared values, trust and a commitment to improving the experience of patients, visitors and NHS staff across our hospitals. It was also an opportunity to thank CBRE for six years of dedicated support for Imperial Health Charity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CBRE made an unsolicited £10,000 donation when support was urgently needed. Since then, the company has continued to champion our work by sponsoring comedy nights and quiz nights, with colleagues enthusiastically fundraising and volunteering their time. CBRE's generosity has also helped create more welcoming hospital environments. This includes funding 10,000 daffodil bulbs to brighten the grounds at Charing Cross Hospital and supporting the development of the beautiful new garden at
Bonney House, which officially opened in early July. The celebration demonstrated the power of partnership, with CBRE's suppliers and contractors raising an impressive £8,000 through donations and generous raffle prizes. Special thanks went to ACL, LKK Solutions, Higgins Mechanical, Deansway and the many organisations that contributed to the evening's success. Every pound raised will help Imperial Health Charity continue providing care, compassion and practical support to patients, their families and the incredible NHS staff who care for them every day. We are hugely grateful to CBRE and everyone involved, and we look forward to growing these partnerships in the years to come.
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Supporting people with chronic pain through photography
ABOVE: Two FireFlies during their cycle across Italy
arlier this year, we were E delighted to attend the Two decades of incredible opening of an exhibition by Paddington fundraising from the FireFlies organised Green Healthcare Centre,
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or more than two decades, The FireFlies have combined endurance, determination and community spirit to raise vital funds for blood cancer research. In 2026, the brave group took on their latest challenge, cycling more than 1,000km from Venice, Italy to Menton, France in just eight days, to raise money for our Blood Fund, which supports Hammersmith Hospital Haematology Services. The route took the FireFlies across Europe, climbing more than 18,000 feet along the way. Their extraordinary efforts raised more than £108,000, which will support the development of pioneering research into blood disorders – including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, sickle
cell disease and haemophilia – as well as enhancing patient care and improving the clinical environment in the haematology department at Hammersmith Hospital. Reflecting on their motivation, The FireFlies said: “We were inspired by the courage it takes to fight cancer. We ride for those who cannot; it’s tough, but nowhere near as tough as the fight with cancer.” To celebrate the FireFlies for their tireless efforts, we will soon be hosting a thank-you event for the group, where we can recognise their continued commitment to our charity and shine a spotlight on the difference their fundraising makes to patients and researchers at our hospitals.
Creative Walking Group celebrates exhibition
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articipants from Imperial Health Charity's Creative Walking Group celebrated the opening of their Listening to Landscapes exhibition at London Museum Studios in June. Curated and installed by members of the group, the exhibition showcased artwork inspired by monthly creative walks exploring green spaces around our hospitals. Led by artist Eva Jonas, the project encourages outpatients to connect with
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nature through mindful and creative activities that support wellbeing. The exhibition also highlighted a new resource featuring local walking routes, creative responses and prompts for patients, staff and visitors, helping more people experience the benefits of mindful walking and creativity.
which displayed photographs taken by participants of our Changing Perspectives photography course for people living with chronic pain. Changing Perspectives was designed and facilitated by artist Jon Rees. The course explores how photography can be used to improve our wellbeing, mental health, and build connections with others and the world around us. The photographs in the exhibition speak to the experiences of its participants. They express their resilience and the ways in which photography has helped and inspired them. So far, we’ve supported three Changing Perspectives courses, with participants from all three sessions contributing photographs to the exhibition. Paddington Green Healthcare Centre and Central London Healthcare have been key partners on this project. As well as referring many of the people who have taken part, the team does vital work supporting people living with chronic pain, providing tailored healthcare support and facilitating peer support spaces. A huge thank you to all who made this exhibition happen, and congratulations to all of the artists involved! 5
How our volunteers are changing the hospital landscape
ABOVE: 17-year-old Diya (left), with 98-year-old Doreen
98-year-old volunteer meets new recruit on our summer youth volunteering programme
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oreen, 98, is one of our longest-serving volunteers, supporting the running of the Friends of Hammersmith Hospital shop. She started volunteering several decades ago, raising funds for the hospital when her son was small. After retiring over 20 years ago, she returned to help in the shop. In August, we introduced her to Diya, a 17-year-old volunteer, who joined the hospital as part of our summer youth volunteering programme. Diya is keen to pursue a career as a cancer researcher. Doreen, what do you enjoy most about volunteering in the shop? Doreen: Meeting people. I love talking to people. It suits me because I’m a chatterbox. Lots of people come in, and they’ve had good news or bad news, and some people are lonely, they just like to chat. You get a life story sometimes, and it makes you appreciate how lucky you are. Diya, what’s your experience of volunteering been? Diya: When I came here, I expected that because you meet the same people every week… it would get quite repetitive. But I 6
realised that’s not true. Every week, I come here and even if it’s the same patients, they always tell you something new… sometimes it’s a bit bittersweet because you walk in wanting to say hi to the patient, and they’re not there anymore. You’re happy that they’re home, but it’s also bittersweet. When you volunteer, what do you both get out of it? Doreen: People say, “Are you still volunteering?” and I say, “You don’t know the pleasure I get out of it”. I love people. I love talking to people. And by chatting, and advising sometimes, it just makes you feel good. Diya: I’ve learned a bit about myself, and about others. It’s not just that you talk to people and you meet them, it’s also being behind the scenes. You set up the [meal] trays, or if [the patients] need a tea, you make them tea. It’s more about what they need than what you get out of it. Diya, what motivated you to start volunteering? Diya: I feel like my motivation was to get out there and branch out of my comfort zone a bit, rather than being an introvert. I love being at home. I feel like going out there
changes you a bit, and you gain new experiences. Doreen, what bit of advice would you give to Diya about volunteering? Doreen: You probably, like me, like talking to people… so you’ll get a lot of pleasure from it. I hope in your future, you do well in whatever you want to do. I wish you well, and I’m glad you enjoy it. I do it because I love it and it’s great when you hear good things – you hear lots of sad things, but then that’s part of life. And Diya, what do you want to share with Doreen about your hopes for the future and what you enjoy most about volunteering? Diya: One thing I’m really gaining from this is optimism and ambition. I think during exam season people get quite demotivated, even if it’s what they want to do. It reaches a repetitive state, where all you’re doing is exams, going home, and sleeping. So, getting a bit of a change makes you more ambitious about what you want to do. Find out more about our volunteering programme on our website. FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
Staying healthy after hospital
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e are proud to share our partnership with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea FC Foundation, which is helping people across north west London stay healthy after leaving hospital.
ABOVE: Saffiyah (left) with her mum Shabnam, taking her medicine
Charity funding helps create children's 'Pill School'
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charity-funded “pill school” on the Grand Union ward at St Mary’s Hospital is helping children as young as four learn to swallow tablets, making medicine time less stressful for young patients and their families. Many children find liquid medicines unpleasant because of their strong taste. The new initiative uses small sweets, including sprinkles, Tic Tacs and Skittles, to help children practise swallowing pills in a fun and relaxed environment. Dr Hannah Farley, a paediatric doctor at St Mary’s, said: “Lots of the medicines we give children come in liquid form, and they almost always taste disgusting. This means children spit them out, parents end up arguing with them, and it becomes a really distressing experience for everyone.” Funding from Imperial Health Charity’s Special Purpose Funds grant programme has provided the supplies and resources needed to introduce pill school. The programme offers interactive child-led sessions with nurses and play specialists, alongside children and their families, helping them learn a skill that can benefit them throughout their lives. Dr Farley said: “Many of these FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
children will need healthcare throughout their lives, so learning this skill makes that journey much less traumatic for both them and their families.” Four-year-old Saffiyah learned to swallow tablets while recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Her mum, Shabnam, said encouragement from the hospital team made a huge difference. Shabnam told us: “At first, Saffiyah just wanted to chew them because they were sweets. “The first few attempts didn’t work, but eventually she managed to swallow one whole. After that, she progressed really quickly.” Saffiyah soon moved on to taking her medication in tablet form. With support from her family, nurses and even her teddy bears, she is now preparing to continue her recovery at home.
The Bridging the Blues programme is a 12-week community rehabilitation programme delivered by Chelsea FC Foundation, alongside exercise specialists with support from NHS clinicians. Since launching in 2023, it has supported more than 350 people across stroke, cardiac, respiratory and cancer rehabilitation pathways. The programme helps people rebuild confidence, become more physically active, and develop healthy habits that can continue long after their rehabilitation has finished. Participants also benefit from connecting with others who have had similar experiences, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Among people taking part in the stroke rehabilitation programme, 80% improved their physical outcome measures, and 73% increased their weekly activity after completing the programme. Encouragingly, 41% of participants have continued into Chelsea FC Foundation community activities after finishing the programme. We also support NHS staff wellbeing, including through a weekly football programme that has engaged more than 290 colleagues since it launched. Through this partnership, we are helping bridge the gap between hospital care and longer-term health and wellbeing, supporting patients, NHS staff and local communities to live healthier, more active lives.
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ABOVE (From left): Charity CEO, Gail Scott-Spicer; Matt Lucas; and Trust colleagues Fiona Blair and Sue Grange.
New charity-funded garden opens at St Mary’s Hospital A beautiful new green space has been opened at St Mary's Hospital with the aim of supporting the mental wellbeing of NHS staff. Comedian and actor Matt Lucas joined the team to celebrate the opening.
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mperial Health Charity has transformed a previously unused courtyard at St Mary’s Hospital into a peaceful new garden space, dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of NHS staff. Milne’s Corner, the latest outside area to be created
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through our Green Spaces programme, was officially opened by comedian, actor and long-standing NHS supporter Matt Lucas at a special event attended by charity and Trust colleagues, donors, partners and supporters. Milne's Corner is located behind Bonney House, which houses CONTACT, the Trust’s counselling and psychological support service, providing work-related therapy. The garden provides a calm and restorative environment for our hardworking staff to reflect and recharge after what can sometimes be challenging sessions. The garden will also be used by colleagues as a quiet place to
decompress during demanding working days. It is open during lunchtime every weekday, and can also be booked by staff for training or patient sessions, such as one held recently by the St Mary’s Hospital Children’s Play Specialist team. The transformation is particularly significant to St Mary’s as it is currently the only garden space at the hospital. Home to one of London’s busiest Major Trauma Centres, staff regularly work in highly pressured and busy environments. This garden offers a devoted space away from the clinical setting where colleagues can take time to focus on their own wellbeing. The garden takes its name from FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
Mary Elisabeth Gordon Milne OBE, St Mary's wartime matron, who served the hospital from 1928 to 1933 and again from 1942. She led the hospital through some of its most challenging years during and after the Second World War, and the garden honours her remarkable dedication to caring for others.
"Milne's Corner transforms an overlooked corner of St Mary's into a sanctuary."
underused hospital spaces into welcoming, restorative locations that benefit patients, visitors and NHS staff.
Gail Scott-Spicer, Chief Executive
Designed by Dario Pizzi Garden Design Ltd and built by Gardencraft Surrey Ltd, the garden draws inspiration from England’s coastal landscapes. Naturalistic planting, weathered timber, gravel textures and a calming water feature combine to create a sense of escape within the busy hospital campus. One of the garden’s most distinctive features is that it can be completely moved if needed. Every plant is potted and portable, as are the furniture and water feature. Gail Scott-Spicer, Chief Executive of Imperial Health Charity, said: “Our Green Spaces programme is about creating places that support the health and wellbeing of the people who care for us every day. Milne's Corner transforms an overlooked corner of St Mary's into a sanctuary where staff can take a moment to pause, reflect and recharge. We are proud to invest in projects like this that have a lasting impact on staff wellbeing.” Milne’s Corner is the fourth completed project in Imperial Health Charity’s Green Spaces programme and the charity’s third collaboration with Dario Pizzi Garden Design Ltd. The programme transforms FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
“The NHS is full of extraordinary people who spend their lives caring for others."
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas officially unveiled the garden at a launch event in early July. He has raised significant funds for NHS charities over many years and has consistently championed the incredible work of NHS staff. Matt said: “The NHS is full of extraordinary people who spend their lives caring for others, often in incredibly demanding circumstances.
“Spaces like Milne’s Corner are a reminder that staff wellbeing matters too. I’m delighted to help open this beautiful garden and celebrate everyone who made it possible.” We would like to thank all our donors and supporters who made the project possible, including CBRE, CPC Project Services and Montagu Evans. Following the opening, Matt visited St Mary’s Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he met staff, patients and visitors. The visit provided an opportunity to see first-hand the dedication and care of our ICU colleagues, while continuing to highlight the importance of support for the hospital. Imperial Health Charity is still raising funds through its ICU Appeal to help improve facilities for the families of those receiving treatment. We are fundraising for a new reception area, two family rooms and two key staff spaces. You can donate on our website: imperialcharity.org.uk/donate or contact fundraising @imperialcharity.org.uk
ABOVE: St Mary's Hospital's Play Team enjoying the garden.
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New Renal Holiday Fund open for applications
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ialysis patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust can now apply for funding towards a holiday or leisure trip through our new Renal Holiday Fund, thanks to a generous donation from the West London Hospitals Holiday Dialysis Trust. The Renal Holiday Fund is a new grant scheme from Imperial Health Charity, designed to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of renal patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. It provides funding so that patients can take a holiday or travel for leisure in the UK or overseas, recognising that travel can be more complex and costly for people who require dialysis away from their usual treatment centre. Eligible patients can apply themselves, or a staff member can apply on their behalf. Find out more on our website.
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ABOVE: Professor Choudhury's grandson Emil (left) and son Pasha (right) cutting the ribbon.
Refurbished apheresis unit opens at Hammersmith Hospital
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hanks to a generous donation from the late Professor Nazrul Choudhury, we have transformed the unit where patients receive apheresis treatment. Apheresis is used to treat a variety of blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and blood cancer. During the procedure, patients’ blood passes through a machine that separates out a specific component, such as red blood cells or plasma, before returning the remainder to the body, sometimes with a new component added. Treatments take several hours to complete and are often needed regularly. In August, we invited Professor Choudhury’s son and grandson to visit the new unit, which was designed by Stella Corrall (Lucentia Design) and Ansell & Bailey architects in consultation with patients and staff. Many patients described having restricted movement during treatment. In response, the redesigned space aims to help patients dream of places beyond the hospital walls, with natureinspired patterns and colours for the eye to rest on. The designers told us: "The collaborative influence throughout this project has made it a huge success. Staff say it is both calming and inspiring, providing reassurance and helping reduce patient anxiety. It conveys; ‘You matter, you have
individual needs, it is all going to be alright.’ Patients reflect they have the opportunity to connect with nature, to see the beauty in everyday, to give you hope, to let you dream.”
Patients can adjust new tuneable LED ceiling lights, fitted to simulate daylight at different times of day, choosing cooler or warmer tones to suit their mood. Grass, leaves and bird imagery throughout the unit also give the impression of being immersed in nature. Commenting on the impact of his father's gift, Professor Choudhury's son, Pasha, said: “Observing in person the direct outcome of my father’s gift to the Imperial College Healthcare Trust has meant the world to both my son and me. More significantly, it has made his legacy feel completely worthwhile.” Professor Choudhury’s donation has also supported research into blood cancer treatments and funded life-saving equipment for the hospital’s intensive care unit. We are extremely grateful to his family for their support. FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
ABOVE & BELOW: Participants taking part in Monday meal prep and Wednesday fitness classes.
Feed Me Good: the Harlesden-based nutrition and exercise project supporting women's health
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e know that preventing ill health starts in our communities, with specific support that responds to the needs of people in the local area. Through our Compassionate Communities grant programme, we funded ‘Feed Me Lifeskills’, a programme of weekly exercise sessions, culturally tailored cooking workshops, digital food education and a six-month health ambassador training programme, helping participants make realistic, sustainable changes. Its founder, Nureen, set up the programme in her local area of Harlesden, wanting to support those in her personal network and the wider community to look after their health and make positive changes. She explained: "I realised that so many of our women in our communities always put everyone above our own health. We put everyone first... and what
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tends to happen is that we don't look after ourselves. “Then we go to the doctor and we're told, 'You've got type 2 diabetes', 'You've got hypertension'. But by having this programme, everyone has that buffer; you give women hope and they're able to say, 'Actually, I can do this.'" Nureen developed ‘Feed Me Lifeskills’ through focus groups with local residents, GPs and stakeholders, surveys of more than 300 residents, and community events.
"I realised that so many of our women in our communities always put everyone above our own health." Through the programme, Nureen has reached more than 100 women so far, all of whom have noticed positive changes
over several months of attending the sessions. Participants include people from her local church, local social action groups, and people referred from five nearby GP surgeries.
One participant, who is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), told us the nutrition and exercise classes have supported her mental and physical wellbeing. She said: “It’s been fantastic. It came at the right time for me because I’d had the diagnosis and I was sitting there just wallowing, and I thought this is just what I need to pick me up again and get me back out there. “It’s worked wonders for me. I swear by it.” 11
Mr Widget joins the team
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e’re pleased to welcome a fluffy new volunteer to our marvellous team of therapy dogs: hello Mr Widget! Mr Widget’s owner Drew began volunteering with Imperial Health Charity four years ago, after being involved in other animal-assisted volunteer services in the past. Having lived in the area for decades, Drew was keen to give something back to the hospitals that had looked after him over the years. He told us: “I consider myself connected with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and believe passionately in giving my support.” Before he adopted Mr Widget from an animal rescue charity, Drew volunteered at Hammersmith Hospital with therapy dog Gadget, who sadly passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the 18-month-old Mr Widget has taken up the mantle of offering some comfort to patients and brightening up the wards that he visits. Drew added: “I’ve seen the transformative, immediate, positive effect of contact with a happy little dog in a hospital environment. It’s so uplifting.” Mr Widget is also part of Therapaws, a London-based charity that supports animal wellbeing. A huge thank you to Drew and Mr Widget for supporting patients and staff.
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ABOVE & BELOW: Artwork included in the Oliver Projects Gallery exhibition
New exhibition showcases renowned contemporary artists from south east London
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ur latest ‘Art in Focus’ exhibition, organised in collaboration with Oliver Projects Gallery, features the work of four contemporary artists based in London. Selected with the gallery’s founder, curator Katherine Oliver, the exhibition includes works by Katherine Jones RA, Temsüyanger Longkumer, R&F Mo and Suzanne Moxhay. Each artist uses various printmaking techniques including monoprint, linocut and etching to achieve different results, all exploring how we perceive the world, and our place in it. Katherine Jones’ work depicts structures that provide shelter, using organic shapes and earth tones reminiscent of garden spaces. The prints on display
are made using the process of collagraphy, where materials are glued onto a hard, flat surface,
such as wood to create a textured printing plate. These were then coloured by hand, so each is subtly different. R&F Mo explores the journey of the unconscious in the dreamworld. One unique print depicts a person sleeping with brightly coloured hills behind. The other, a yellow bear on its hind legs. We love the opportunity to showcase London-based artists, and work with galleries to bring creativity to our hospital spaces. This exhibition is currently on display in the entrance to Charing Cross Hospital. FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
Meet the mum and daughter taking on the marathon
Dates for your diary WE HAVE LOTS OF EXCITING EVENTS COMING UP FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN! TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S COMING UP AND HOW TO TAKE PART. LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON DATE: 4 April 2027
ABOVE: Mum and daughter running duo Amanda and Emily
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ext year’s London Marathon will be a monumental event, taking place over both Saturday and Sunday for the first time. In addition to a full weekend of running, Imperial Health Charity has been given a staggering 100 places for people to take part and raise money to support our hospitals. Many of these places are still available, and applications are currently open on our website. Several places have already been allocated to some ambitious runners, including mother-anddaughter duo Amanda and Emily, who will be taking part and fundraising in support of Poppy's Fund. Amanda’s journey with St Mary’s Hospital began many years ago before her children were born. After sadly experiencing multiple miscarriages, Amanda was referred to the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic. She told us: “Everything changed after that! They worked with me to find out what was wrong and what the solution was.” Soon after that, Amanda became pregnant and later gave birth to her son William at St Mary’s Hospital. One year later, her daughter Emily arrived. Keen to do something to support the staff who helped her through such a difficult time, Amanda decided to take on the FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
2027 London Marathon, and had the idea for Emily to also apply. Amanda is a seasoned runner, having ran the London Marathon previously, but this will be Emily’s first ever marathon. Amanda said: “If it hadn’t been for St Mary’s Hospital and the care I received there, Emily might not have ever been born. Thanks to the Miscarriage Clinic and the incredible maternity staff, I’m running the marathon with a daughter I thought I might never have.”
“If it hadn’t been for St Mary’s Hospital and the care I received there, Emily might not have ever been born." We’re so pleased that this mother-daughter duo will be taking on the race together, and the money they raise will make such a difference to the staff and patients at St Mary’s Hospital. We wish them the best of luck with their training! If you’ve been inspired by Amanda and Emily’s story, why not apply for one of our places for the iconic 26.2-mile course around London? Applications are open on our website, and those receiving a place will be supported every step of the way by our fundraising team.
This iconic race will see runners tackle a 13.1-mile course around some of London's best-known landmarks. This special race is one of our most popular events, with Imperial Health Charity runners supporting their hospital and department of choice. HACKNEY HALF MARATHON DATE: 16 May 2027 Join us on this exciting half marathon through the vibrant east London! With music and entertainment following you along the way, you are sure to have a fun – if challenging – race. PUB QUIZ DATE: 25 November 2026 If running isn’t your cup of tea, then maybe you’ll enjoy some fun and trivia at our next pub quiz! The quiz night will take place at The Lockhouse in Paddington, and proceeds will go towards supporting patients and staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Gather a group of four to six people and book a table today!
For more information on how to get involved visit imperialcharity.org.uk/ support-us A fantastic way to help our hospitals is to make a regular gift. You can set up a monthly donation via direct debit. Head to imperialcharity.org.uk/donate to find out more.
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"Last year, I had two cataract surgeries, and that's where I've had the most support. I've been measured and had confidence in the care that I've received." - Ama, Western Eye patient
ABOVE AND BELOW: Patient Ama and former patient turned volunteer, Nick
The Western Eye Hospital needs your help
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lease support our appeal and help us raise £1 million to create a calm, reassuring and more accessible environment for the thousands of people who rely on the Western Eye Hospital each year. As one of only two specialist eye hospitals in London, the Western Eye provides expert care, treating serious and complex eye conditions from across the capital and beyond. The hospital serves as a lifeline for many who experience fear and uncertainty about sight loss. But while the care provided is exceptional, many parts of the hospital no longer meet the needs of those who rely on it. For people with sight loss, busy, outdated and difficult-to-navigate 14
spaces can feel overwhelming, adding to the anxiety they may already be experiencing. With your support, we aim to raise £1 million to transform the hospital’s entrance, emergency department, and outpatient areas, helping patients access urgent eye care more quickly, independently, and with greater confidence. Improving the emergency department will create a smoother, more efficient patient journey, helping staff focus their time and expertise where it is
needed most. An accessible reception area will make it easier for people to find the right care quickly, and updated outpatient facilities will make follow-up appointments feel calmer. The appeal will also fund new artwork throughout the hospital, carefully chosen by a focus group of Western Eye patients and visitors, helping people with visual impairments feel connected with artwork in a healthcare setting.
How can I make a donation?
Can I support you by taking part in a fundraising event?
1. Fill in a donation form Complete the form on page 15 of this magazine, tear it off and post it back to us at the following address: Imperial Health Charity 10th Floor 5 Merchant Square London, W2 1AY 2. Donate online To make a donation online, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate 3. Give us a call To discuss your donation in confidence, call our fundraising team on 020 3640 7766
Please give generously today.
Yes, absolutely! You can take part in one of our fundraising events or organise one of your own. 1. Take part in one of our fundraising events You can take a look at our latest events at imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events 2. Organise your own event Got an idea in mind? We can help make your event a success with practical support, promotional materials and helpful tips to get you started. FOCUS • SUMMER 2026
Make a donation today and help our hospitals do more. I would like to make a donation of:
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Please make sure all the fields above are completed and return this form to: Imperial Health Charity, 10th Floor, 5 Merchant Square, London, W2 1AY A registered charity, no. 1166084
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Working in partnership with
How to support our work
About us
Make a donation
Imperial Health Charity helps our hospitals do more through grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising.
We rely on your support to continue our important work. To make a donation, please visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate or call 020 3640 7766.
Fundraise
We fund major redevelopments, research and medical equipment as well as helping patients and their families at times of extreme financial difficulty.
Other ways to get involved
Supporting the arts in healthcare, we manage an Arts Council accredited hospital art collection and run an arts engagement programme for patients and NHS staff. We also manage volunteering across all five hospitals, adding value to the work of staff and helping to improve the hospital experience for patients. Fundraising through major appeals and community events enables us to continue our important work.
Volunteer
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Do you have an idea for a sporting challenge or a sponsored event? Fundraise for Imperial Health Charity and we’ll support you every step of the way. For upcoming events and fundraising ideas, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/fundraising-events or call 020 3640 7766.
Volunteers play an important role in helping our hospitals. To find out more about our latest volunteering opportunities, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer or call 020 3005 6391.
Apply for funding
Find us online to keep up to date with all our latest news across grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising. @ImperialCharity @charityimperial @ImperialCharity
Are you a member of staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust? You may be eligible to apply for funding. To find out more, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/grants or call 020 3006 5328.
Imperial Health Charity 10th Floor, 5 Merchant Square London, W2 1AY imperialcharity.org.uk T: 020 3640 7766 E: info@imperialcharity.org.uk
A registered charity, no. 1166084