I've signed up to run the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon to raise vital money for Royal Papworth Charity. This is the reason why…

On Friday 13th January 2012, my life changed forever. My wife was blue lighted from Addenbrooke’s Hospital to Papworth Hospital with an aortic dissection (a life-threatening tear in the wall of the aorta, the body's main artery) while 31 weeks pregnant with our first child . This condition is often fatal if not treated immediately. It was the most frightening time of my life, I genuinely feared I might lose both my wife and our baby.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. A huge team of dedicated staff came together, many working well beyond their shifts to save Clare’s life. Their skill, teamwork and compassion carried us through the darkest of moments.

Our daughter, Emily, was born at Papworth Hospital, she was the fourth baby delivered there. She is incredibly proud of that fact and loves sharing her story. Just 20 minutes after Emily was born, Clare underwent open heart surgery. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to the people who made it possible for both of them to survive.

In the days that followed, Clare remained in hospital and didn’t meet Emily for the first five days of her life, as Emily was being cared for in NICU at another hospital. A doctor made the compassionate decision to allow Clare to leave for a few hours to meet her. I was terrified but it was an incredible act of kindness that gave her hope and strength at a time she needed it most.

Since then, Royal Papworth Hospital has continued to care for Clare with unwavering dedication. As a PE teacher who loves being active, she recently faced another challenge when she was told her heart was making extra beats. Once again, the team has gone above and beyond, carrying out further tests, reviewing her case multiple times and doing everything possible to support her. Every member of staff shows genuine care and determination to help patients live full lives.

Our connection to the hospital extends beyond my wife. In 2016, her mum, Jill, was diagnosed with cancer and received scans and biopsies at Royal Papworth Hospital. She was treated with immense compassion and never stopped telling people how her granddaughter had been born there and how the staff had saved her daughter’s life. Sadly, she passed away in 2018.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife’s dad, Kelly, underwent a triple heart bypass at Royal Papworth Hospital. It was incredibly difficult not being able to visit but the staff showed exceptional care, calling us every day and ensuring we could stay connected with him throughout his recovery.

Royal Papworth Hospital has been there for my family through so many of life’s most challenging moments. Quite simply, I would not have my wife by my side today without them.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You gave us more time, more memories, and more life than we ever dared hope for

Raising money for Royal Papworth Charity is a small way for me to give back, to raise funds, show my gratitude and run in recognition of the incredible staff who dedicate their lives to caring for others

If you can spare any pennies, I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.

Pat

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Royal Papworth Charity adds additional value to the ground-breaking work of Royal Papworth Hospital – the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital.

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.