Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Nearly two years ago on March 3rd, 2024, George and Tommy were running the Cambridge Half Marathon, a crucial step towards the Prague Marathon later that year. The race was going well and George was likely to get a PB unfortunately though, just 500 meters from the finish line, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to the swift actions of three remarkable NHS health professionals, who were also participating in the race, he was given a second chance at life. Their expertise and quick thinking were instrumental in his survival.

After being rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital and subsequently transferred to Royal Papworth Hospital under the care of one of those lifesaving health professionals, he underwent surgery to fit an EV-ICD (an internal defibrillator) to hopefully prevent future cardiac arrests. The compassion and professionalism also displayed by the race course staff, paramedics, and A&E teams were nothing short of extraordinary. We are forever grateful for their dedication.

Knowing how different our lives would have been without these extraordinary interventions George, Tommy, Hannah, Paul and Malina have decided to run the Cambridge Half this year to give thanks to the Royal Papworth Hospital Charity. Our plan is to run this together and get George across the finish line but without the drama of 2024! Any of your contributions will help support their vital work in heart and lung disease research and patient care.

With increasing pressures on the NHS, the Charity plays a vital role in ensuring that the Cambridge based hospital, which treats around 50,000 patients a year, continues to provide:

• specialist equipment that could aid a patient’s recovery

• last-minute on-site accommodation for patient’s relatives who travel far to be with their loved ones

• staff education and training to ensure patients continue to receive the best care and treatment

• research that pushes the boundaries in treating heart and lung disease.

Patients, their families alongside our staff and volunteers are at the heart of everything the charity, this is all made possible by the generosity of our supporters.

Please sponsor me if you are able to.