R O YA L
B R O M P T O N
&
H A R E F I E L D
H O S P I TA L S
C H A R I T Y
N E WS BE AT AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Supporters at our 38th Annual H a r e f i e l d Fu n R u n
JOI N OU R F IG H T AG A I NST H E A RT A N D LU NG DI SE A SE
// WELCOME //
Welcome ver y time we discuss the content for our bi-annual News Beat, Editor Rachel Cresswell and I struggle not to make it a huge feat! There are so many stories to tell you – daring deeds from our fundraisers (such as the irrepressible Johnny Martin Smith), courage from the pupils of Rye St Antony School as they remember their friend Rebecca Henderson, and many more such tales. More people with cystic fibrosis can live more independent lives thanks to our appeal to support remote monitoring and a great many of you made sure we exceeded our target to buy Organ Care Systems (though the need continues). We are over the moon to have Joanna Lumley as our star guest
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at our Carol Concert at St Luke’s in December and our ever-popular Santa Dash will herald in the festive spirit raising funds for Harefield Hospital. More and more of you are staying in touch with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and we welcome all forms of communication as we love to hear from you. W hat we achieve through your support is quite simply fantastic – from renovating the parents’ rooms on our paediatric ward to implementing the latest technolog y that will automatically alert medical staff when a patient needs inter vention. You are making the difference and I thank you with all my heart.
A b ove: G ill an d husban d To ny sup p o r ting o n e of o ur summ e r eve nt s
Gill Raikes, Chief Executive
R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// LE T TER FROM THE EDITOR //
Letter from the Editor his edition of News Beat has been an exciting one to write. As you’ll see, we’ve even had to increase our page count so we can bring you more news on our projects and events. Following the launch of our new ECMO Appeal, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some incredibly brave patients whose lives have been saved by this special piece of equipment. Not only that, but consultants, nurses and perfusionists have taken the time to share why your support for this appeal, truly does mean #MoreTimeMoreLives for critically ill patients. A s ever, we have a host of inspiring fundraisers who have dedicated their time to suppor t our f ight against hear t and lung disease. Please keep us posted on
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your fundraising effor ts – we love to hear from you! A nd f inally, from ever yone here at Charit y HQ , we look for ward to seeing you at some of our upcoming autumn / w inter events. Rachel Cresswell, Editor of News Beat
Below: Rachel with her mum and best friend at our London Bridges Walk
r 2019/20 Read ab out ou harity.org appeals at rbhc
rb&hArts will be working with staff and patients, visitors and the local community to reduce-reuse-recycle for Crafternoons workshops, increase biodiversity in Harefield planting projects and bringing nature into the Arts Strategy for future projects and builds at Royal Brompton.
@ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// OUR APPE AL S //
Our appea ls THE A MBITION TO TR ANSFORM PATIENT C ARE AT OUR HOSPITAL S
Earlier this year, we launched our new appeal – ‘Transforming Your Care’, raising £200,000 to implement a digital observation system for our hospitals. Not only will this help transform the way our medical staff deliver care, but nurses will be able to spend more time with patients at their bedside. The platform will utilise innovative track-and-trigger technology for sepsis, which means that patients at risk of this life-threatening condition can be identified as soon as they start to deteriorate and have their treatment escalated even sooner. By supporting this project, you’ll enable us to harness the latest technology to provide the best possible patient care.
HELPING PEOPLE WITH C F TA K E C O N T R O L OF THEIR CARE
MORE SUCCESS FOR OUR PIONEERING TRANSPL ANT APPEAL
After shooting past our £100,000 target to raise funds for Organ Care Systems, we’re delighted to announce that we will be continuing with the Haref ield Transplant Appeal, having committed to raising £200,000 in total. If you’d like to f ind out about how Organ Care Systems are helping Haref ield Hospital save even more lives, go to rbhcharity.org/transplant-appeal.
Tr ansp lant re cipie nt Nick Culshaw
Thank you to ever yone who has joined us on this journey to put people with cystic f ibrosis (CF ) back in the driving seat. Because of your suppor t, we’ve completed our communit y fundraising towards the development of a digital platform, that will enable people with CF to have more control over their care and lives. We look for ward to seeing how this exciting project develops and will continue to suppor t it.
Thank you to every single one of you who has supported our appeals. Read more about our ongoing projects at rbhcharity.org 4
R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// PICU FOCUS //
PICU FOCUS
O ve r t h e l a st s ix m o nt h s , we’ve co m p l e te d s o m e fa nt a st i c p ro j e c t s f o r Roya l B ro m pto n’s Pa e d i at r i c Inte n s i ve C a re Un it (PI CU) t h at we wa nt to s h a re wit h yo u! A S E C O N D I N C U B AT O R T O C A R E F O R P R E M AT U R E B A B I E S
We hit our £22,000 target to purchase a second incubator for PICU, so that more premature babies with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) – a congenital heart defect – can avoid open-heart surgery. Royal Brompton treats these premature babies, who can weigh as little as 540g, using catheterisation, a quicker and much less invasive procedure than the surgical alternative. But with only one incubator, we could only care for one baby at a time. Claire Buckle, Matron for PICU explains, “We are the only centre in the UK that does PDA device closures via cardiac catheterisation on such premature babies and having a second incubator means that we can admit more than one premature baby at a time. Professor Fraisse and Dr Bautista are therefore able to carry out this minimally invasive and innovative procedure on more babies.”
FUNDING A SPECIALIST PHYSIO FOR YOUNG PATIENTS
Our hospitals’ physiotherapy service has a reputation for being the best in the country and through trusts and foundations, we’re raising £180,000 for one inpatient paediatric physiotherapist for three years to keep up with growing demand. This role will help babies like Ruben. Ruben was admitted with a rare heart defect aged 11 days old. Our physiotherapist Chloe helped him to recover from his f irst surgery, to prevent any developmental delays which are typical in babies with cardiac conditions and to build his strength to prepare him for his second surgery, aged f ive months. Ruben’s parents were also advised in the best way to keep him well post discharge. If you' d like to give to this project, please email fundraising@rbht.nhs.uk.
R E N O VAT I O N O F PA R E N T S PA C E S T H A N K S T O T H E T R U E C O L O U R S T R U S T
The True Colours Trust has donated £20,000 to renovate the two parent spaces on PICU. Following a consultation process with staff and parents, we’re aiming to create a contemporary, comfortable and homely space which we hope will signif icantly improve long stays for parents in hospital, facilitate peer support and provide space for quiet reflection and respite. Thank you to The True Colours Trust for their generosity and we look forward to updating you when the project is complete.
We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped to make a difference to paediatric patients at our hospitals by supporting these projects. If you’re a Trust or Foundation and would like to support us, please email Zahra at z.khan@rbht.nhs.uk.
@ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// WHAT ' S NE W? //
WH AT ’ S NEW?
Fro m a m azin g f u n d r a i s e r s to exc it in g eve nt s , s e e wh at o u r Ch a r it y h a s b e e n u p to t h i s ye a r.
L ON D ON BR I D G E S WA L K I S BAC K
Over 120 fundraisers took part in our eagerly anticipated London Bridges Walk in July, raising £13,000 for our Patients’ Fund. The route included some of London’s most treasured sights such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. One of our wonderful walkers said, “The Charity walk was perfect for families – it’s fun, active and it was lovely seeing London's attractions along the way. Even better it was all for a good cause.”
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R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// WHAT ' S NE W? //
SU PE R R HON DA
Eighty-year-old Rhonda Davis, grandmother and overall daredevil has done it again for the Charity by taking on Europe’s fastest zip wire. The challenge, which took place in North Wales, involved Rhonda travelling speeds up to 125mph alongside Harefield Fundraising Manager, Sallinder Rai and Rhonda’s cardiologist, Dr Wallis. Rhonda has previously completed a tandem skydive and abseiled the Spinnaker Tower and has so far raised over £10,000. Thank you, Rhonda!
A F U N DAY OF F U N DR A ISI NG
In September, 750 fundraisers took part in our annual Harefield Fun Run & Family Day, joined by friends, family and four-legged friends for a fun day out and to say thank you to Harefield Hospital. Following the run, there was face painting, magicians, live performances and plenty of delicious food to enjoy. Thank you to those of you who came along to help us raise a huge £45,000 see you next year!
L E AV I NG A L E G AC Y
At the beginning of this year, a long-term and well-loved supporter of our Charity sadly passed away. Before passing, they had chosen to leave us a £7,600 gift in their Will having been treated at Royal Brompton and Haref ield Hospitals for over a decade. This generous and thoughtful gift will make a profound difference where the need is greatest. Last year, we received over £800,000 in legacy donatios which make an extraordinary difference for thousands of staff, patients and their loved ones who come to our hospitals.
A V E RY SPEC I A L SU M M E R PIC N IC
Back in July, we held our glorious Summer Picnic at Harefield Hospital to raise money for ‘Transforming Your Care’. Supporters, staff and patients came together to enjoy the delicious food that was on offer and to treat themselves to a glass of fizz. Gathering together around the picturesque surroundings of Harefield, stories were shared by transplant patients and fundraisers alike. The fantastic day raised £4,866 in total.
T H E T I M E VA NS M E MOR I A L F U N D
The Professor Tim Evans Memorial Fund was set up in memory of Charity Trustee, Professor Tim Evans who sadly passed away in 2018. The fund supports a fellowship for a junior doctor to train in anaesthesia at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for six months and then return to Royal Brompton for a further six months training in intensive care medicine. Thank you to everyone who has generously donated.
If you are thinking about leaving a legacy no matter how big or small and would like more information, please contact us at fundraising@rbht.nhs.uk. Thank you. @ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// ECMO APPE AL //
M O R E TIM E , M O R E LI V E S
Our new ECMO Appeal is raising £150,000 to purchase more Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) units for Royal Brompton. Above: A nurse with one of our EC M O u n i t s
There are two types of ECMO – V V ECMO for respiratory support and VA ECMO, for both respiratory and cardiac support when there has been catastrophic heart failure.
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CMO supports patients who have a lifethreatening illness or are recovering from major surgery, by oxygenating their blood outside of the body. Often the last treatment option, this allows the patient’s heart or lungs to rest and gives medical staff more time to treat or care for them.
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WHO DO WE TREAT?
Our ECMO Team retrieves and treats patients from across the UK, including Wales. Patients are of all ages, from babies to adults in their 70s – from people w ith c ystic f ibrosis who have a life-threatening respirator y infection and need to rest their lungs to allow for
treatment, to those who have been unwell w ith sw ine f lu or severe inf luenza. Or, patients may have been involved in a serious accident, w ith all other treatment options ex hausted. Rosie Sm it h, per f usion ist at Royal Brompton ex plains, “ECMO doesn’t solve or t reat t he problem but it’s essential in g iv ing t hese patient s t he ox ygen t hey ca n’t prov ide for t hemselves prov iding more time to be diag nosed or t reated or to halt ma ny of t he processes t hat cont r ibuted to t he deter ioration.” ECMO referrals to our Tr ust are g row ing. But to treat more patients and to save more lives, we need more ECMO units.
R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// CONOR ’ S S TORY //
Conor’s stor y In N ove m b e r 201 8 , a ge d 26 , C o n o r H o l m e s h a d a c at a st ro p h i c a c c i d e nt t h at l e f t h im f i ght in g f o r h i s l if e . onor was a paramedic driv ing at speed to get to the scene of an accident when suddenly, someone pulled out in front of him causing him to swer ve and hit a tree. He suffered a huge number of injuries including a torn aor ta and a collapsed lung. Conor was in a life-critical condition. As a paramedic at Southmead Hospital Bristol, Conor was initially taken there until Royal Brompton’s ECMO Team arrived that evening – the last treatment option. They saved Conor’s life using ECMO, before bringing him back to Royal Brompton where Conor remained in a coma for ten days. A mazingly, thanks to ECMO, Conor is almost back to full health, w ith only some bone repair ongoing.
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Demand for ECMO increases in winter due to peaks in respiratory illnesses and infections. Last year was the biggest winter season for the NHS and this year we're asking you to please help us prepare. Your support means our hospitals can give patients more time and save more lives. Find out more at rbhcharity.org/ECMO
Conor whilst o n EC M O
Conor and his sister Grace, taken in Januar y 2019
@ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// F U N D R A I S E R S P OT L I G H T //
CONQUERING BRITAIN BY BIKE ‘ O n e o l d m a n l o s in g h i s tu m my ’ – J o h n ny M a r t in S m it h ’s m i s s i o n to t h a n k t h e h o s p it a l wh o s ave d h i s s o n’s lif e .
n 2017, when Johnny ’s son was only 22, he was treated at Royal Brompton Hospital for a potentially life-threatening hear t condition. His son was taking par t in a medical examination as par t of an application to T he Royal Militar y Academy Sandhurst ( R M A S). During the examination, he was
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" Without question, the care my son received at Royal Brompton kept me motivated ..." diag nosed w ith a hear t condition which could have been lifethreatening bet ween the ages of 30 and 4 0. A s a result, he received a ten-hour operation by Professor Darr yl Shore. To g ive something back, Johnny decided to take on Britain’s toughest c ycling challenge – Land’s End to John O'Groats, amassing 1,079 miles in just 13 days. He managed to raise an astonishing £16,30 0 for our ' Transforming Your Care' Appeal. Speaking about the challenge, Johnny said, “ T here was an extraordinar y reaction from friends, families and suppor ters and after wards, it really daw ned on me how my reason for fundraising really resonated w ith them all. T he ride itself was made
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R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// FUNDR AISER SP OTLIGHT //
enjoyable by my friend Tony Lederle – thank you Tony! Without question, the care my son received at Royal Brompton kept me motivated and the hope of helping someone else like him. During the 13 days, I kept telling myself ‘if you keep going, you’ll get there’ and of course I did!” Johnny kept a daily blog during the challenge – an inspiring and hilarious account of his journey between Britain’s two extremities. To read the blog, go to rbhcharity.org/johnnysblog.
If you have a great fundraising idea up your sleeve and want to talk it through with a member of our team, please get in touch at fundraising@rbht.nhs.uk
M AHIL A M ANDAL
Mahila Mandal is a ladies group based in Harrow who fundraise for charities in their local community. The dedicated and motivated group have been fundraising for Haref ield Hospital over the past year, raising an incredible £4,001.
MA XIN PORCARO
Maxin Porcaro has spent a lot of time at Haref ield Hospital over the last 15 years, where a loved one is treated and cared for. Maxin decided he wanted to do something to give back, explaining, “There isn’t one person I’ve met from this hospital who isn’t ED IS RA amazing.” In May, he abseiled 114m down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, raising £2,470 for Haref ield Hospital. With unmatched enthusiasm, Maxin was ready to do the thrilling challenge all over again as soon as he hit the ground!
£2 ,470
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£4,001
L ARISSA PERRY
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RA Larissa’s cousin Kane was diagnosed with £39, 444 cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension and as a result, was referred to Haref ield Hospital where he received a heart and lung transplant. After an initial brilliant recovery, Kane returned home but sadly passed away just under a year later. Since his passing, Larissa and many of Kane’s family and friends have gone above and beyond to raise money for Harefield in his memory, with over eighty-four of them taking part in the Bristol 10K. Larissa and co have more planned, including a charity ball and two Tough Mudders. So far, they have raised more than £39,444.
W E LW Y N G A R D E N C I T Y R O TA R Y C L U B
Andrew Forrow from the Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club recently donated Savealife capsules to be sold at our Royal Brompton Charity Hub to raise funds for our Charity. The capsules cost £3 and are designed to contain pills for use in an emergency or to fit a regular dose of medication. Sales from the capsules totalled £275.
@ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// IN THE COMMUNIT Y //
Rye St A ntony School: 15k for 15k arlier this year, the students and teachers of Rye St Antony School in Oxford took part in a 15k fundraising walk in aid of our Transplant Appeal and in memory of former pupil Becca Henderson, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Becca received an artificial heart at Harefield Hospital after being diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer of the heart. After being cancer free for a year, she was put on the transplant list – the thought of transplant was the hope that kept her going during difficult times. Tragically, complications followed the transplant and Becca passed away shortly after surgery.
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Right: Becca Henderson Below: Pupils at Rye St Antony warming up for the challenge
In recognition of Becca’s constant determination and bravery, the school took on this incredible challenge, involving local businesses and other supporters. Jo Croft, Deputy Head at Rye St Antony said, “Becca demonstrated a true passion for life and throughout her illness she fought hard to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. It is a great privilege to take on this to continue Becca's legacy. Her indefatigable energy is an inspiration to us all and may we all live as boldly and bravely as her.” In total, the school have raised £30,000. Becca’s parents also joined on the day to celebrate and commemorate their daughter. Mum Linda said, “The day was bittersweet – lovely but sad because I wish our Becca was here. It’s a privilege that everyone thinks so much of her, that they want do something like this.”
If your school or organisation would like to hold a fundraising event in aid of our Charity, please contact fundraising@ rbht.nhs.uk where our team can provide you with a fundraising pack and further information.
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R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// CORP OR ATE SUPP ORT ROUND-UP //
CORPORATE SUPPORT ROUND-UP We a re s o gr ate f u l to a ll o u r co r p o r ate p a r t n e r s wh o s u p p o r t o u r eve nt s a n d p ro j e c t s . ROBERT COOPER ESTATE AGENTS
WAT TSWAY TRAVEL
Wattsway Travel was the gold sponsor of our London Bridges Walk earlier this year. Not only did they generously sponsor the event, but owner Mark – husband of Royal Brompton Fundraising Manager Lisa Watts – was there on the day lending a helping hand from f irst thing in the morning until late into the evening, along with other members of the family. Thank you Mark and Wattsway Travel!
We’re very fortunate to name Robert Cooper as one of our long-term Charity supporters. Steven Pursey, owner of Robert Cooper, is a patient at Harefield Hospital and has helped to raised well over £15,000 through various fundraising events. He’s also attended our annual Harefield Fun Run for over ten years! Most recently, Robert Cooper sponsored the bar at our Summer Picnic and will continue to support next year too. A massive thank you to Steven and all at Robert Cooper Estate Agents.
MARTIN BAKER
Manufacturing company Martin Baker has kindly sponsored our Golf Day since 2015 and enter a team to play each year. This year, Vice President Product Manager, Geoff Barnes, even won our 'Beat the Pro’ trophy! Based in Denham, many of their employees have been treated at Haref ield Hospital. Thank you, Martin Baker, for your ongoing support and for making our Charity Golf Day possible.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CORPORATE SUPPORTERS THIS PAST YEAR We would like to give thanks and celebrate our corporate partners who have contributed to all the incredible things that we have achieved this year. Airo Cars, Artisan du Chocolat, Asda – South Ruislip, Cadiz Music, Divertimenti Cookery School, Euro Hire, Fisher Sassoon & Marks, Grant & Stone, HARI’S Hairdressers – Kings Road, HEC, Hummingbird Bakery – South Kensington, ISS Services & One Water, Kier Construction, Kings Arms Pub, the Kundan Family, Laura Wetherall Photography, Martin Baker Aircraft Limited, Morrisons – Watford & Hatch End, Metro Rod, Payless Builders Merchants, Primal Pantry, RB&HH, RFP Contracting Ltd, Ripe London, Robert Cooper Estate Agents, Roxhill, Scrumptious Catering, SDMB, SM, Spar – Bushey, Sun-Maid Raisins, T Lott Ltd, Tesco – Rickmansworth, The Avenue Cookery School, The Morpeth Arms, Venture Studios Fulham, Vinci Facilities, Waitrose – Ruislip & Gerrard’s Cross, Wattsway Travel.
@ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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// WHAT ' S ON //
W hat's on? S U N DAY 13 O C TO B E R 2019
ROYA L PA R K S H A L F M A R AT HON Starting at Hyde Park, London
Our #PurpleHeartArmy will be passing through four of London’s Royal parks across 13.1 miles this Autumn. If you’re looking for your next challeng e, here’s your chance to wind through leafy green spaces whilst enjoying our capital’s iconic landmarks. And if running isn’t your thing, we’d love to have you join our cheer squad. Simply contact a member of our fundraising team.
WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2019
T H E GR E AT BROM P TON QU I Z St Columba’s Church, Chelsea Start brushing up on your general knowledge as
our renowned Charity Quiz night is back for an evening full of fun, laughter and friendly competition. Staff and supporters will come together to try their hand at winning (what we think is) the greatest quiz of the year all while raising vital funds for our ECMO Appeal.
S U N DAY 1 D E CE M B E R 2019
SA N TA DA SH Ruislip Lido Hundreds of Santas will be coming to town for this festive fundraiser! Walk or run the 1.8km loop around the scenic Ruislip Lido dressed in a Santa suit provided by us. This is the perfect event for all the family to take part in – don’t forget your four-legged friends – you’ll be guaranteed to have a jolly good time.
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S U N DAY 29 M A RCH 2020
L ON D ON L A N DM A R K S H A L F M A R AT HON Starting at Pall Mall, London
We have 30 Charity places available for
this one-of-a-kind run. Passing St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben, this is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster. You could beat your personal best or give it a go for the f irst time, either way we’d love to have you join our #PurpleHeartArmy!
R B HC h a r it y, R oy a l B r ompt on Ho spit a l , Syd ne y St r e e t , S W 3 6 N P
// WHAT ' S ON //
TH U R S DAY 12 D E CE M B E R 2019
H A R E F I E L D C A ROL S BY C A N DL E L IGH T St Mary’s Church, Harefield
With stunning performances and a brilliant service to look forward to, the Haref ield Carol Concert isn’t one to miss. Joining us for the festive affair are the ever-inspiring Singing for Breathing Choir – a group made up of respiratory patients from both Royal Brompton and Haref ield Hospitals, who use singing to enhance existing physiotherapeutic support and of course, have fun! We’ll also have readings from a selection of special guest, including former patients who have been inspired to support the hospital that cared for them.
W E D N E S DAY 18 D E C E M B E R 2019
ROYA L BROM P TON C A ROLS BY C A N DLELIGHT St Luke’s Church, Chelsea
December wouldn’t be complete without our Carols by Candlelight at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea. This evening will be full of festive spirit and is held in the most beautiful setting. This year, we are incredibly excited to announce that the legendary Joanna Lumley OBE will be one of our special guest readers. It’s sure to be absolutely fabulous! Following the service, we’ll have delicious mulled wine and mince pies available at Royal Brompton Hospital for the chance to catch up with friends and fellow supporters. We can’t wait to see you all there.
To sign up for any of our upcoming events, visit: rbhcharity.org/events @ r b h c h a r i t y / r b h c h a r i t y. o r g
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