David's fundraiser for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity
David Lait is raising money for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (previously Above & Beyond)
Story
It’s almost 1 year since I suffered multiple cardiac arrests due to an intractable, irregular heart rhythm (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation). I was in ITU for eight days, hospital for almost 4 weeks and now have an ICD should it ever happen again. We still don’t know why this happened (this is an area of ongoing research).
The road to recovery has been long and in some ways remains ongoing.
To mark this anniversary Anna and I wanted to organise a charity event, in part to give back to some of the fantastic organisations involved in my care/ rehabilitation and in part to celebrate the miracle that it is that I am here, in one piece and able to.
What? 1/2 Iron Man distances, completed over 3 days, very slowly, in whatever style suits you!
When? 24-26th November 2023
- 24th Nov - 1.9 km swim, at Cheltenham College swimming pool, 19:30 - 21:30
- 25th Nov - 90km cycle ride, this will be a circular route departing from Cheltenham, heading south through the Cotswolds, departing 09:00. The route will be disseminated using Strava, there will be lots of stops en route and electric bikes are welcome.
26th Nov - 21km walk/run - this will be from Bath Spa train station at 10:00 and head along the Bath-Bristol cycle path, ending at Temple Meads train station with the walk Anna did every day to visit me at the BHI.
Who? We’d love as many people as possible to join us for all or some of the event
Why? The aim is to raise as much money and awareness as possible. Funds will go towards research into idiopathic VF and charities providing psychological support to those affected by cardiac arrests.
How much? There will be a fee (payable to the just giving page) for each event entered this is £15/person, or for all three events it’s £35.
If people want to sponsor the event but don’t wish to take part, that is of course absolutely fine.
If you are taking part, please encourage people to sponsor you.
Finally if you don’t fancy taking part but wish to participate then you’re very welcome to help with pit-stops en route.
What happens now?
If you wish is take part, please let me know by emailing me D.Lait@cheltenhamcollege.org, we will share the just giving page nearer the time.
If you wish to help with organisation, again please let us know by replying to this email address.
We really look forward to it and hope you’ll be able to take part or support us.
If you donate you are doing a great thing! The money you donate to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity makes a real difference to the lives of millions of patients who need and use our hospitals. Working alongside University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust as their official NHS charity, the charity go above and beyond to transform patients experiences and their environments. They fund world-class tech, research and champion equal access for all patients. Thank you for sharing my passion to support them and go the extra mile for our NHS.