So why have we decided to do a charity ride for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Trust, as well as the Brompton Fountain you ask? Put simply because the fantastic care they gave, and continue to give to my son Elliott. My family too I have to add. To paint the picture…

Elliott was born with a heart condition and at only a few days old had to be operated on at Harefield. All was good for many years but we always knew the time would come when he would have to undergo surgery again. This day came on the 21of February last year, this time at The Royal Brompton.

The plan was to first try and correct the valve again as they did all those years ago. Failing that replace with a human donor valve. Lastly, and least favourably replace with a mechanical valve. In all the procedure should have taken approx. 4 hours. Unfortunately it took what can only describe as the longest most agonising 36 hours of our lives.

The surgeons found correcting would only provide a short term fix so next replace. From here on in many many complications arose. They tirelessly battled trying to stem numerous major bleeds before attempting again. On more than one occasion we were told to prepare for the worst. In the end they had no option but to replace with a mechanical valve. Because of these many complications Elliott ended up having total heart failure so had to have a pace maker fitted also. Over the many weeks that followed Elliott’s condition remained critical with many other major complications and procedures carried out to rectify.

Throughout this living nightmare every single member of staff remained professional, informative and treated us as extended members of the hospital family.

Elliott and my family quite simply owe these people everything. This is why myself and others are doing the ride.

So please, if you could put a few pounds our way we would be very very grateful.

I would also ask you try and split your donation equally between the two charities.

Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving as they will never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, your money will be sent directly to them both and ensure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

Again thank you very very much.

Chris