Imperial Health Charity is an independent charity raising funds for research and projects that help improve patient healthcare at the five London hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust: Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea, St Mary and Western Eye hospitals.

The Finance team have decided to fundraise to support the Dresden Hardship Fund. The fund is available to support patients and families who are experiencing extreme financial difficulty as a direct result of their time in hospital. Members of staff employed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust may apply, on behalf of a patient being cared for at one of the Trust's five hospitals for financial relief of up to £2000. Funds must be for a specific purpose and to provide a positive impact on patients' immediate and/or long-term health and welfare needs. Financial relief can be provided to support a patient with transport costs, accommodation, funeral expenses, baby-care essentials, clothing and other critical need items.

The team will be holding a series of events across the next year to raise money. As part of this programme, a fantastic eight colleagues have signed up to run the British 10k in July to support the cause. We range from the experienced runners to complete novices and look forward (!) to taking on the challenge.