11 June 2018
Lasting impact of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children inspires fundraising 30 years on
A local bus driver will be cycling 80 miles to raise money for
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, almost 30 years after his wife
underwent a life-saving
Swapping four wheels for two, Luke Harris is taking on the Bike
Bath 80 mile route on 1st July, to say thank you to the
hospital and also to help ensure children can continue to receive
outstanding treatment for years to come. procedure there.
Luke decided the fundraise for Bristol children's hospital
charity, The Grand Appeal, after finding out more about the role
the hospital played in his wife's care as a child.
"Laura was born with a hole in her heart," he explains. "When
she was 18 months old, she was able to undergo a coronary
angioplasty which uses a balloon to stretch open a narrowed
artery.
"Both as a child at Bristol children's hospital, and an adult at
the Bristol Heart Institute, the care Laura has received is amazing
and all the medical teams I've met have been fantastic.
"Having volunteered with ambulance services in the past, I know
how hard NHS staff work. I want to be able to support the hospital
to help children make their journey through life.
"I set myself the initial goal of raising £500. Amazingly I've
been able to raise over five times that much, and I'm now aiming to
make it £5000!"
Zoe Trotman, the ward sister on Dolphin Ward at Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children, which looks after children with heart
conditions, said:
"It's amazing to hear that Luke wants to raise this money for
our hospital, years after a loved one was treated here. It shows
the lasting impact that the NHS can have on people, which is all
the more special when we're celebrating its 70th
anniversary.
"Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is the regional centre for
the Congenital Heart Disease Network South West and South Wales
service, providing comprehensive cardiology and cardiac surgical
care for children and young adults up to 18 years of age. Many of
the patients we care for will have been diagnosed before or at
birth and will require ongoing treatment and care into
adulthood.
"By supporting The Grand Appeal, Luke will help us to continue
giving holistic, family centred care within a safe and child
friendly environment. It allows us to do those extra things that
will make a child's stay less frightening and a little more
fun."
Kate Jones, Senior Community Fundraiser at The Grand Appeal
said: "What Luke is taking on is no mean feat and it's a real
testament to his determination to give back for the treatment his
wife received all those years ago.
"The support he has received so far has been amazing, and he
quickly surpassed his initial target.
"The money that he has raised will help future generations to
receive the best possible care, funding world class facilities,
pioneering medical equipment as well as patient and family
comforts.
"A huge good luck to Luke from all of the team here at The Grand
Appeal - we will be cheering him on all the way!"
If you wish to sponsor Luke, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-harris182
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