ISSUE 24

The QEHB Charity Newsletter qehb.org

Challenge yourself for charity in 2018

© 2017 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity is a working name of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, a company limited by guarantee in England (No.10004003) and a charity registered in England and Wales (No.1165716). Registered Office: 5th Floor Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH Happy new year and welcome am delighted to see that so many of to the new edition of Love QEHB! you have already signed up to take part I’m thrilled to bring you the first in Vélo this year! newsletter of 2018 and I can’t wait The Charity is proud to support the to share the stories of our fantastic work of the transplant teams here at staff superstars, and inspiring charity QEHB, so be sure to read how we champs, as well as giving you all the are celebrating Heart month with fun information you need to know about events and prizes! QEHB Charity is also how to get involved with the exciting launching a new appeal to bring a events we’ve got coming up in 2018! ‘Home away from Home’ to transplant As we welcome in the new year patients and their families nearby to we are encouraged to take on new the hospital. challenges and push ourselves harder We are always keen to hear from you, than ever before. This year the Charity so why not find us on social media has three new events, the Birmingham @QEHBCharity and share your photos, Triathlon in Sutton Park, the Great North stories or plans for your fundraising Swim in Lake Windermere and the events? Or drop us an email on Sunrise Snowdon challenge. So why [email protected]. not make 2018 the year you challenge Thank you for all of your hard work and yourself for Charity? support throughout 2017; we couldn’t Last year over 1,000 of you took on the do it without you. first ever Vélo Birmingham challenge, a 100-mile closed-road cycle through Birmingham, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Sandwell and Dudley. The event was a huge success and I Mike Hammond Chief Executive, QEHB Charity

Heart month Dave wins gold QEHB Charity is marking Heart month Turn to page four to find out this February and raising funds about how QEHB Charity’s very to bring Heart in a Box to QEHB own patient advocate, and former and increase the number of heart resident of Fisher House, Dave transplants at QEHB by up to 50%! Watson, took home a gold and On pages 12 and 13 you can read the bronze medal from the Invictus story of a former professional Welsh Games in Toronto, Canada. rugby player who is living with an Together with your help artificial heart pump and supporting Vélo we raise money to provide Heart in a Box appeal. On pages eight and nine you will world-class facilities for find a run-down of Vélo 2017, read patients and their families Home away from Home how QEHB’s Eye team have raised at the Queen Elizabeth On page 17 learn about how QEHB over £30,000 and will be jetting off Hospital Birmingham that Charity is launching a new appeal to South Africa this year. You will go over and above what the to bring ‘Home away from Home’ also hear from some of the riders NHS can provide. We spend to families of transplant patients at and find out how you can sign up your generous donations QEHB. The ‘home’ will be nearby to Vélo 2018! on cutting-edge equipment to the hospital and will reduce the such as the cancer-busting financial stress put on families visiting machine CyberKnife; facilities their loved ones whilst in hospital. like Fisher House, a ‘home

away from home’ for military Fisher House patients and their families; a teacher for young people with cancer, and much more.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

2 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 Dates for your diary

Wear it red Do Summit 16 February Help raise money for heart patients Rewarding throughout this year’s National Heart Month and join QEHB Charity’s ‘Wear it Red Day’! 14 April and 15 September Support patients by wearing a red item of Join QEHB Charity as we tackle the largest mountain in England clothing for the day and donating £1 to QEHB and Wales - Mount Snowdon – and help to raise funds for a Charity. If you’d like to purchase something ward or department of your choice. As well as the annual trek to new to wear, why not visit the Charity’s Snowdon’s summit, this year, the Charity is also offering a special Fundraising Hub in the hospital atrium? ‘Sunrise Snowdon’ trek in April 2018, leaving Birmingham at 9pm Throughout February the Charity will stock red and returning to Birmingham at 6am. hoodies, t-shirts, badges, wristbands and even Registration for the ‘Sunrise’ trip is £50 and for the September limited edition love heart teddies! climb is £45. These include travel to and from Birmingham as well as lunch and professional guides for the duration of the If you’d like to get involved, or you’d like to climb. Minimum sponsorship is £100 sign up on behalf of your school, business or

To book please go to qehb.org/events or contact community group, please contact [email protected] [email protected] or go to qehb.org/events to find out more. Great North Birmingham Swim 8 – 10 June, Lake District Triathlon, 2018 The Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest open water swimming event. Join the Charity at Lake Windermere for a weekend of open water swimming – grab your Take on the triathlon challenge for QEHB Charity. goggles, wiggle into your wetsuits and get splashing! The Birmingham Triathlon takes place in Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parklands in Europe To find out more or book your place please covering 2,400 acres! The triathlon begins with go to qehb.org/events or contact an open-water swim in the park’s largest pool, [email protected] followed by a closed-road bike course within the park before a run through heathland and ancient woodland. Entries are open to over 14s in the Sprint, Super Sprint and Fun distances. Book your The Classic place at qehb.org/events Birmingham Tennis Day QEHB TRAVEL CLUB VARIOUS DATES AVAILABLE 18 June, Edgbaston Priory Club THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Join QEHB Charity for a fantastic day of tennis and see Hollywood Travel are running a number of trips some of the world’s most famous tennis players take to during 2018 to help raise funds for QEHB Charity the court in the most celebrated pre-Wimbledon event! starting with a trip to York on Saturday 24 March with free time to explore; and a trip to Oxford on QEHB Charity is offering discounted tickets at £7 for adults, £5 for NHS staff and £4 for children. Sunday 15 April including a boat trip. To join us please visit qehb.org/events or for more For more information and to book please call Hollywood Travel on 0121 436 6263 information please contact [email protected] and quote ‘QEHB’

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 3 Double medal haul for hero at Invictus Games

Dave Watson, patient advocate 2016, he put it behind him and trained at QEHB Charity and former even harder for 2017. Become a friend of resident of Fisher House put in “To come away with two medals Fisher House and some superb performances at the including a gold is proof of how hard support military Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada, he has worked. It was so special to coming away with a gold and a be there in Canada supporting him patients and their bronze medal. alongside Josh.” loved ones. Visit Set up by Prince Harry and first Josh, 13, loves telling his friends about fisherhouseuk.org hosted in 2014, the Invictus Games Dave’s accomplishments, saying: “He’s where you is an international, Paralympic style, really inspiring, all my mates think it’s can find out more multi-sport event for wounded, really cool that he’s competed in the and donate. injured and sick service personnel. Invictus Games and won Dave, who has worked at QEHB two medals.” Charity since February 2016, The Invictus Games is a competed in the IF6 Discus and brilliant celebration of Shot Put events, winning gold overcoming adversity, with in the discus and bronze in the the word Invictus meaning shot put. This is an incredible unconquerable or undefeated achievement for Dave, competing in Latin. This description is in his first Invictus Games after the certainly a suitable way of disappointment of missing out on describing Dave. Dave joined the making the team in 2016. Army in 2008 and served in the Scots Speaking of his time in Canada, Guards. During a tour of Afghanistan Dave said: “It was an amazing in 2010, Dave stepped on an experience, the atmosphere and improvised explosive device and sense of community throughout lost both his legs and his right arm. the games was brilliant. I knew that During his recovery, Dave spent I had a decent chance of winning time at Fisher House, the home a medal but I was over the moon away from home for military patients to leave with two. and their families at the Queen “It was a great feeling to go over Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. to Canada with my family and Fisher House opened in 2013 and represent the UK. I’d waited a long is an 18 bedroom house where the time to make it to a big event such families of service personnel having as the Invictus Games and I’d love treatment at QEHB can stay for free, to do it again. I’ll be working hard allowing them to be close to their to make the team again next time loved one at the hospital. around.” Dave’s time at Fisher House inspired Dave was supported in Canada him to stay on as a patient advocate by his family, Becky and Josh. at QEHB Charity, where he meets The Invictus Games is a family- patients who have had similar oriented event and Becky is experiences to him. Dave said: “I love immensely proud of her husband’s working at Fisher House, being able to achievements, saying: “Dave is the help support service people and their most passionate and determined families through their treatment at person I know. He dealt with the QEHB is a privilege. disappointment of missing out in

4 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24

Farfia Capper Senior Research Sister

We caught up with Farfia Capper, Senior Research Sister in the Centre for Rare Diseases at QEHB, to find out what she does and the role that QEHB Charity plays in her job…

Hi Farfia, can you tell us a little bit Can you tell us how the Charity is about your job? involved in the Centre for My job title is Senior Research Rare Diseases? When you’re not busy working, Sister and I have worked at the QEHB Charity was crucial to the what’s your favourite way to relax? Centre for Rare Diseases since it opening of the Centre, raising I do enjoy taking long walks and first opened in September 2015. £1 million through the appeal. breathing in the fresh air. I also The Charity has also helped by love spa treatments and shopping That’s great, what’s involved in boosting the profile of the Centre where I can splash on myself as working at the Centre for Rare and helping to raise awareness well as my friends and family. Diseases? since it opened. This has helped There are lots of rare diseases patients and clinicians to access What would you say to someone classified in the UK, and one in 17 the services that are provided. who is considering donating to people will be affected by a rare The appeal helped to provide the QEHB Charity? disease in their lifetime. The Centre essential equipment required for I would encourage them to take brings together different teams the clinic and has also funded staff a stroll around the Centre for Rare with specialities to deliver care to positions in the Centre. Diseases and see the amazing patients with rare diseases. The things that can be done with their Centre runs complex research trials The Centre has within it a donations. The resource room for and that is where my job comes in. resource room, what is this and instance exists thanks to donations I’m part of the team that researches how does it help patients? to the hospital charity and I am the rare diseases that we come The resource room is a lovely area privileged to see the difference that across at the Centre, helping to that has been created for patients it makes to patients on a daily basis. increase our knowledge of them to use. It is bright, colourful and The research that is happening at and how they can be treated. designed to be as comfortable the Centre is really exciting and will and cosy as possible so patients give us new ways of treating rare What sort of research is taking can relax and feel at ease whilst diseases. None of this would have place at the Centre? waiting for their appointments. been possible without the kind We have numerous trials running Patients have the opportunity to donations of people who want to and some of the studies involve meet and socialise with support make a difference. rare diseases such as; Vasculitis, groups and other patients with Scleroderma Sjogrens and many rare diseases. This enables them more. Patients involved in the to interact with one another, I am research are seen from various inspire each other, and share their specialities including; Liver, Renal, experiences, ensuring that they do privileged to and Dermatology. The trials involve not feel alone, knowing that there looking at new drugs, medical are other people who are going see the difference devices and diagnostics to help through similar experiences. that it makes to progress the very latest scientific research findings to enhance What’s your favourite film of all time? patients on a treatments for major health issues Titanic – Back in 1998, I went to the including cancer, inflammation and cinema on four occasions to watch daily basis. rare diseases. the same movie over again! Farfia Capper

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 5 This year is set to be another fantastic year of fundraising events for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. Whether it’s running a 10k, scaling a mountain, or watching some professional tennis there are events for everybody to get involved in!

On 18 June, grass court tennis up England and Wales’ highest In October last year, the inaugural returns to the city with The mountain. As well as the annual Birmingham International Marathon Classic Birmingham Tennis Day at day walk, in April the Charity is also took place alongside the second Edgbaston Priory Club. Join QEHB running a sunrise walk, set off from biggest half marathon in the UK, Charity and a host of world class Birmingham in the evening and the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham tennis players for one of the most scale the summit of Snowdon Run. Over 100 runners took part keenly anticipated dates of the to the backdrop of the rising for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital grass court season. Discounted morning sun. Birmingham Charity. Whilst some of those running for the hospital tickets are available for £7, £5 for charity were aspiring athletes, NHS staff and £4 for children. Book others were taking part in their very your tickets at qehb.org/events. first marathon or half marathon. On Saturday 9 September 85 GET INVOLVED Participants ran for a wide variety determined fundraisers took on of causes supported by the Charity Mount Snowdon. The day raised including young people with over £10,000 for Birmingham If you’d like to get involved cancer, Liver Foundation UK and the hospitals and due to its roaring this year and do ‘summit’ Breast Cancer appeal. success the Charity is inviting you to amazing for QEHB Charity then If you’re looking for your next join its next Snowdon expedition! please get in touch by emailing running challenge then why not join On 15 September 2018 the Charity [email protected]. the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham is going to take even more people

6 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 10K on 6 May? Beginning in the city event taking place in the beautiful centre, the Great Birmingham Run Lake District destination of is once again taking to the streets Windermere, the largest natural of the Second City. Take in sights lake in England. The Charity has around Birmingham whilst listening limited places for the one mile to tunes from the 70s, 80s, 90s, event, which you can enter for Noughties and popular tunes from free with an expectation to raise the present day. When you run for a minimum of £250 sponsorship QEHB Charity you get a free t-shirt for the Charity. Expect family and plenty of cheering on the way activities on site, food from round. Or for a bigger feat you can local producers, music and take on the half or full marathon in entertainment, and a craft beer October. If you would like more tent for post-swim celebrations. information, or to register to take part, please email [email protected]. The Charity is also welcoming two UT MORE new events to the 2018 calendar, FIND O the City of Birmingham Triathlon in Sutton Park, and the Great North For more information about Swim in Lake Windermere, both these events please contact the taking place in June. Charity on [email protected] The Great North Swim is a or give us a call on 0121 371 4852. nationally recognised swimming

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 7 Vélo Birmingham

On 24 September 2017, over 1,000 Steve Whitehouse rode to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust cyclists, from well-seasoned Young Person’s Unit at QEHB as his 18 year old niece is currently sportive riders to absolute undergoing chemotherapy. novices, took to the streets of the West Midlands to cycle Vélo Birmingham for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Steve said: “What a fantastic day it was and a pleasure to Charity. The riders raised a take part and contribute to your fantastic charity which more staggering £350,000 between than ever is close to my family’s hearts.” them to support patients and families at the hospital. Each of the 1,000 people who took on the Vélo Birmingham challenge for the hospital charity has their own unique story and inspiration for Chris Jones said: “It was easily the most satisfying cycle getting on their bike and cycling event I’ve ever completed which was made even better by 100 miles. my being really proud to wear your colours.” Stuart Turner took on Vélo to raise funds for the Renal Unit at QEHB after his wife, Rachael, was diagnosed with a degenerative As well as individual supporters, a kidney disease. When Rachael number of businesses also entered required a kidney transplant, teams to raise funds for QEHB. in 2012, Stuart was found to be Thank you to NEC Group’s Ian a match and gave his wife the Taylor and Martin Clarke, Oxford ultimate present; a kidney. Stuart Biosystems, Bidfood, Mills & Reeve raised over £1,000 for the Unit. and RSM. Another brave fundraiser is Christine For QEHB eye-doctor Alastair McAteer, who decided to challenge Denniston and his brother Richard, herself to Vélo after having been Vélo Birmingham was a particularly knocked off her bike by a van in special challenge. Richard has 2015. Fortunately Christine’s injuries been blind since shortly after birth were not life threatening and she and was the inspiration for his was able to get back on her bike, brother’s career which has led him and raise funds for the team that to become an Ophthalmology cared for her. consultant at QEHB. As a cycling enthusiast, Alastair wanted to take on the Vélo Birmingham challenge for QEHB Charity but didn’t want to take it on alone. Alastair and Richard Christine said: “Vélo surpassed my expectations, it decided to take on the cycling has given me back my love of cycling and now I have challenge together and, thanks to amazing memories of all the beautiful countryside and their trusty tandem bike and a lot the wonderful support from the people of Birmingham, of hard work and training, made it Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Sandwell and Dudley.” through the 100 mile course in an incredible time of 7:34.

8 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 Vélo Birmingham

Tim Matthews, Consultant Neuro-ophthalmologist at QEHB said: “It was a pleasure to cycle Vélo Birmingham alongside my colleagues from the Eye Department at QEHB. We all enjoyed the significant challenge that cycling 100 miles posed to us and it was wonderful to raise so much money. HOW TO SIGN UP “We are all incredibly FOR VÉLO 2018 excited and honoured to have won the Business Whether you are a seasoned 100 prize and we look sportive rider, a cycling newbie forward to sending a on a mission to complete a team over to South Africa century or a charity fundraiser next year.” in search of an epic challenge, Vélo Birmingham will deliver an unforgettable experience for each and every participant. You can purchase a standard Vélo place by visiting velobirmingham.com with no requirement for a minimum sponsorship. which is the latest generation of If you miss out, QEHB Charity OCT scanners that enable earlier has a number of Golden Bond detection of diseases such as places which you can purchase macular degeneration, glaucoma for a £40 registration fee with a and diabetic eye disease, and minimum sponsorship of £400. helps guide treatment, will This is because we have a limited be of benefit for patients as number of these guaranteed well as staff at the hospital. places, and want to maximise Together The Eye team were the amount of money the Charity with Alastair’s so successful in their can raise to support patients colleagues from fundraising that they won and their families. You can the eye department the Business 100 prize of an purchase a Golden Bond place at QEHB, the team beat all-expenses trip for four riders at bikeforbrum.org. their incredible fundraising to take part in the When you cycle for the Charity target of £30,000 which will 2018 Cape Argus, team you will receive a free go towards a new scanner a world-famous cycling jersey and gain access to that the team want to bring annual cycle held in hints and tips on training. to the hospital. The scanner, Cape Town, South Africa.

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 9 Young fundraiser tackles mini military course to thank staff for caring for his Grandad Young fundraiser Eddie Mcginity, who is five years old, completed a mini military mud run at Rockingham Castle in memory of his grandfather who sadly passed away at QEHB. Eddie successfully completed the tough challenge and raised a brilliant £935 for the Oncology Department at the hospital! He said: “The hospital looked after my Grandad really well when he was poorly. They were all very kind and we’d like to say thank you to them.” donated to the hospital. Sweet treats raise Sophie Carroll, Fundraising Officer The money will be used to over one hundred at QEHB Charity, said: “We are help fund extra equipment, really proud of Eddie’s brilliant facilities and added extras for pounds for fundraising and are incredibly patients who are treated on the hospital charity grateful for the money he has Oncology Department.” Medical student scales the height of Everest in support of brain tumour research

Cake-baking Harleen Sidhu recently visited the hospital to present QEHB Charity with a cheque for a very tasty £119! Harleen is no stranger to QEHB, having both volunteered at A brave medical student at Bristol Jess, who was diagnosed the hospital and experienced University, Jess Harris, along with a brain tumour in 2010, first-hand the excellent care as with her dad, Rob, decided successfully completed the a patient. Having decided she to set themselves an ‘Everest challenge and managed to raise a wanted to give something back Challenge’ to raise money for whopping £3,500 in the process! to the hospital, Harleen set about brain tumour research at QEHB. She said: “I will always be grateful organising a delicious bake sale to The pair completed 17 individual for the support of staff at the fundraise for the hospital charity. hill and mountain walks around hospital who have helped me to Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Britain, scaling a cumulative total recover, to the point where I am Manager at QEHB Charity, said: of 29,029ft – the height of Mount now able to return to University “It was lovely to meet Harleen Everest. The mountain walks and continue my studies. I’m really and hear why she wanted to get ranged from the Worcestershire pleased to be able to give back involved with fundraising. We are Beacon in the Malverns to Scafell to the hospital and support QEHB incredibly grateful for her support.” Pike and Ben Nevis. Charity in this way.”

10 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 Smarties Loving mum and friend support September Charity following son’s lifesaving op raises hundreds for Christmas Campaign

QEHB Charity Supporters, son received a life-saving liver Christine Evans and Janet Burgess, transplant earlier in the year. spent most Wednesdays of their So far the pair have raised more summer running a market stall than £2,100! The money will be Throughout the month of at Wednesbury Market to raise used to fund extra equipment, September, QEHB Charity handed money for the Liver Foundation facilities and added extras for out hundreds of tubes of smarties, in exchange for donations at QEHB Charity. The generous liver patients at QEHB. Thank you towards the Christmas Campaign. pair wanted to raise money Christine and Janet! Sophie Carroll, Fundraising Officer for the hospital after Christine’s at QEHB Charity, said: “On behalf of the Charity I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who Generous business supports returned their smarties tubes to us, cancer research packed full of change! A special congratulation goes to Stacey Brazier for having £45.58 in her Smarties tube and winning herself a QEHB hoodie!” In total you raised over £1,800! If you’d like to hold your own fundraising day exchanging sweets for donations, please contact [email protected] for more information. Business Advisors and Chartered DMB has been split Accountants in Cheltenham, Davies between the two funds. Are you taking part Mayres Barnett (DMB), kindly chose Fundraising Manager at QEHB in fundraising for to support QEHB Charity as their Charity, Cathryn Worth, visited the QEHB Charity? ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2016/2017, company to meet those involved in following nomination from staff the fundraising and explain a little Send us your photos on Twitter member, Rachel Nokes. more about the work of the two & Instagram using #LoveQEHB Rachel especially wanted to departments and how the charity or #QEHBCharity. We love seeing support the Skin Cancer Fund has funded them. She said: “On what you’ve been up to! and Cancer Immunology and behalf of the Charity I’d like to say a Immunotherapy Centre. The huge thank you to everyone at DMB incredible £4,050 donation from for a brilliant year of fundraising!”

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 11 Heart in a

This February is Heart month and different events and activities you QEHB. Why not think of your own QEHB Charity is asking you to help can get involved in! ‘heart pumping’ activity or event? bring Heart in a Box to the Queen Why not organise a ‘wear it red’ Sponsored skipping? A Charity Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. This day on 16 February and rock your rounders match? The Charity cutting-edge equipment will cost favourite red garments in your always love to hear your unique £265,000 and will change the way workplace, school, or community fundraising ideas so please do that heart transplants are carried group? Just donate £1 and raise get in touch with us on Facebook out at QEHB. Its technology means awareness of heart research at QEHB Charity, Twitter and that blood can continue to pump at QEHB. If you’re at QEHB this Instagram @QEHBCharity, or email around the heart whilst outside the February then pop along to the [email protected]. body, keeping the tissues in tip-top Fundraising Hub in QEHB’s main Keep your eyes on our social condition prior to transplantation. atrium. The Hub will be decorated media throughout Heart month, Currently, only eight out of ten in red for the month and there you you may just spot some familiar people receive the heart transplant can purchase a limited edition heart faces from around the hospital that they need and over 1,300 teddy bear, a red heart badge, or who have swapped uniforms for people in the UK die each year buy a raffle ticket to be in with a sweatbands and are getting their waiting for an organ. With Heart in chance of winning some fantastic hearts pumping for charity! a Box there is the potential to carry prizes! Some of the prizes on offer out 50% more heart transplants are a kilo of heart-shaped Haribo at QEHB. Heart Research UK has sweets, a large bunch of flowers, kindly pledged to donate £130,000 a night’s stay in a West Midlands towards the purchase of the hotel, a meal for two at Umami equipment and with your help, Harborne, tickets to an evening at QEHB Charity will be able to bring the Comedy Loft on Broad street, Heart in a Box to the £50 voucher for The Gentleman hospital. This Barbers and more! Heart month Just a few of the QEHB ‘heart pumping’ Charity is activities you can getting take part in for hearts the Heart appeal pumping are: the Simplyhealth with a Great Birmingham 10K variety of in May, or the half and full marathons taking place in October. If running isn’t your thing, then why not take on a skydive? Beginning in summer, impress your friends by jumping out of a plane and raising funds to bring Heart in a Box to

12 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 Box appeal

when he had a huge heart For Rhys, the challenge of attack. One of the arteries receiving a heart transplant in the in Rhys’ heart had dissected conventional way would be even and if it weren’t for the swift greater. Due to the numerous treatment of the Scarlets operations that Rhys has had, there medics then it is unlikely that is a large amount of scar tissue in he would have survived. his chest. Speaking of his heart attack, Rhys said: “If a heart became Rhys said: “It came completely available, it would take surgeons out of the blue. I was so lucky two to three hours just to cut to have been surrounded by through the scar tissue in my chest medics. If this happened to to gain access to my heart. me at home I wouldn’t be here “This would cause a delay to the today.” operation and the longer a heart is Rhys received an emergency out of the body; the less likely it is quadruple bypass which saved that my body would accept it.” his life and a long period Heart in a Box will keep a heart of recovery began. Rhys alive outside of the body, recovered sufficiently from increasing the time that doctors this heart attack to be added would have to transport the heart Photo Courtesy of The Welsh Government to the heart transplantation list to the correct location and prepare where he has remained since. the patient for surgery. In Rhys’ Rhys Thomas, former professional case this could be the difference rugby player is supporting the Despite being on the urgent list, Rhys between a successful and Heart in a Box appeal. has yet to receive a heart transplant and instead has been kept alive unsuccessful operation. Former Wales rugby union star Rhys thanks to an LVAD machine – a Thomas has come out in support Speaking of the difference Heart in pump that keeps the heart alive. of QEHB Charity’s Heart in a Box a Box would make, Rhys said: “This The operation to install this machine campaign. piece of equipment will make a led to Rhys being in a coma for two huge difference for people like me Rhys was playing for Welsh club weeks but it was the only option who are waiting on a heart suitable Newport Gwent Dragons in a available to Rhys at the time. for transplantation. match against Northampton Saints The LVAD keeps Rhys’ heart beating in November 2007, shortly after “There aren’t sufficient organs but this comes at a price. The representing his country at the for transplant anyway and once machine relies on battery packs, World Cup, when he took a knock you’ve taken geography and time which Rhys has to carry around, which caused a clot to develop in into account the situation is even and he spends his nights hooked his heart. harder. Anything that will extend up to the mains. that period of time where a heart This caused Rhys to have a minor However, Rhys has been able to can be transplanted is going to be heart attack and he was told that get on with life since having the of huge benefit to people on the he needed to take a six month machine fitted, saying: “I live a fairly waiting list.” break from rugby. Rhys went on to normal life with my family. Aside make an excellent recovery, playing “It is estimated that three from things like swimming I can do top level rugby, earning a move people die each day in need most of the things that I love to do. to Scarlets and making further of an organ. Heart in a Box will appearances for his country. “I’m lucky just to be alive so I’m completely change the way that incredibly grateful for every day. heart transplants are carried out, However, the rugby star was The technology that’s kept me alive benefitting people in the West mid-way through a high-intensity is remarkable and I literally owe my Midlands and far beyond.” workout on an exercise bike at the life to it.” Scarlets’ training ground in 2012

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 13 Staff Superstars

The staff at QEHB never fail to “We are all incredibly excited amaze us with their dedication and honoured to have won the to their patients and their Business 100 prize and we look departments, always working forward to sending a team BIG tirelessly to make the hospital the over to South Africa.” best it possibly can be. So many Justine Davy, Head of members of staff do incredible Fundraising for QEHB Charity Thank you things for the Charity, helping said: “The QEHB Eye Cycle us to fund extra equipment, Team are an inspiration to all of facilities and research on top of what the NHS is us, they worked incredibly hard able to provide. In this to raise an enormous amount of issue we are saying a money which will go a long way to support eye patients at QEHB. “I’m delighted that they won of benefit for patients as well as the Business 100 prize and I look staff at the hospital. forward to hearing about how they BIG The 14-strong team took on the all get on in South Africa.” tough 100 mile challenge around One member of the QEHB eye team the rather hilly West Midlands and team, Panos Theodoromanolakis, was made up of surgeons, nurses, who works in the Ophthalmology Thank you patients and their families. The team Department at QEHB has had an BIG came together to fundraise incredibly active year as a fundraiser. and between them Not only did he take part in Vélo Thank you raised an incredible Birmingham, just weeks before he £31,425. leapt out of a plane and raised a The team did so well brilliant £300 in the process. in fact, that they won the Panos took part in one of QEHB Business 100 award, with the prize Charity’s skydiving days at Hinton to some of the fantastic staff of an all-expenses trip for four riders Airfield in Northamptonshire, superstars who have gone to take part in the 2018 Cape Argus, overcoming a broken-down car over and above for patients on the day, taking a taxi to ensure and their families. a world-famous annual cycle held in Cape Town, South Africa. that he arrived on time. Well done Eye team win award for Their prize, donated by Vélo Panos for going ‘over and above’ to their amazing cycling Birmingham’s official wine partner, support patients at QEHB! efforts! Klein Constantia, includes flights, accommodation, an exclusive Staff scramble up BIG There are some amazing staff tour around the Klein Constantia Snowdon to support superstars at QEHB, and few are vineyard, as well entry into the Cape Birmingham patients more impressive than the QEHB Eye Argus event. you Thank Team that took part in the inaugural Tim Matthews, Consultant When QEHB Charity advertised a Vélo Birmingham to raise money for Neuro-ophthalmologist at QEHB trip to Mount Snowdon, plenty of a new scanner that the team want said: “It was a pleasure to cycle staff members were keen to sign up to bring to the hospital. Vélo Birmingham alongside for the challenge. The Charity took a The scanner, which is the latest my colleagues from the Eye team of 85 determined fundraisers generation of OCT scanners that Department at QEHB. We all over to Snowdonia, including teams enable earlier detection of diseases enjoyed the significant challenge from wards 512 and 621, Pathology, such as macular degeneration, that cycling 100 miles posed to us and plenty of individual staff glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, and it was wonderful to raise so members keen to climb for their and helps guide treatment, will be much money. own department.

14 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 BIG Staff SuperstarsThank you BIG

The hardy bunch faced tricky another trip up Mount Snowdon who always found time to make you Thank weather conditions on the highest has been arranged for 15 September. friends and enjoy life despite her mountain in England and Wales but If you’re interested in taking part, work commitments. thanks to a lot of determinationBIG and please contact In her memory, the Adele Francis some expert guidance from the [email protected]. Foundation has been set up as a amazing professional guides, For a bigger challenge why not take charitable trust within the hospital the team made it toThank the top. on a ‘Sunrise you Snowdon’ walk on 14 charity to support cancer research It was a tiring day for all April? It will see walkers set off in the and to continue to foster a involved but everyone’s middle of the night, accompanied research ethos across the hospital combined fundraising brought by guides and summit Snowdon as and University. BIG the sun rises. Keep your eyes open in over £10,000 to support patients Cathryn Worth, Fundraising across Birmingham. Sophie Carroll, for this event or register Manager for QEHB Charity said: ThankFundraising you Officer at QEHB Charity your interest by contacting “Huge congratulations to the team said: “It was a fantastic day, with [email protected] that took on the Simplyhealth lots of amazing fundraisers Great Birmingham Run for the coming together to do Runners raise funds in Adele Francis Foundation. The something special. It memory of their colleague Foundation will benefit greatly was great to have from the money that they raised so many amazing Sarah Thornber and Professor Dan Rea took part in the 2017 and will continue to build Adele’s members of staff legacy long into the future.” come along and Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run take part.” and raised an incredible £2,500 for the Adele Francis Foundation which The Charity would also is supported by QEHB Charity. like to say a huge thank you to Robinsons catering who Sarah, a Trial Coordinator at the supplied the sandwiches for the day University of Birmingham and and kept everybody energised for Professor Dan Rea, a Medical the six hour walk, Britvic for keeping Oncologist with a primary research everyone hydrated, and Marks interest in Breast Cancer came and Spencer’s Harborne and the together with a team of their Co-Op Oldbury Road for keeping colleagues to take part in the half everybody’s energy levels up. marathon. Their inspiration for their challenge came from their The day was such a success that colleague Professor Adele Francis who was a breast surgeon at QEHB If you’d like to get involved and who sadly died of pancreatic in fundraising for your ward cancer in JanuaryBIG 2017. or department, or would like Adele was a much loved part of to find out more about our the team researching and treating Thank you breast cancer at QEHB. Thank She was events, please head to our the first female general surgeon at website at qehb.org University Hospitals Birmingham or call 0121 371 4852 to and was described by her speak to one of our colleagues as being hard working, friendly team members! incredibly kind, and as someone

Do you know a staff superstar? Do you want to nominate them for a shout out in the next Charity newsletter? If so please get in touch and share your story by emailing [email protected] or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 15 Where your money has been spent

Your money supports Radiotherapy tea bar raises department for 47 years! patients at QEHB over £10,000 in a matter of An example of what your donations have funded are side tables for October 2017 was Breast Cancer months! patients to use while they’re waiting Awareness month and the Charity for their appointments. launched its Breast Cancer appeal. By the end of the month Carol Cole, Radiotherapy administrator said: “Thanks to the a staggering £101,000 had already Charity patients have somewhere been raised. Incredible fundraisers they can put their packed lunches held bucket collections in their local and drinks which is easy to reach businesses, schools and community from their beds. It is a small thing groups, whilst others opted to have but we are committed to making a ‘pink day’ and wear all things pink. patients’ visits to the department as The most daring amongst you even easy as possible and are so grateful took part in a pink skydive plunging to QEHB Charity for their support yourselves from a plane! Thank you with this.” to the University of Birmingham who turned the clock tower, Team bring new scanners ‘Old Joe’ pink for breast cancer, The Radiotherapy tea bar is to hospital open five days a week and sells spreading pink for all to see. Beverly Hudson, Head of Imaging a selection of hot drinks, biscuits (MRI), and her colleagues have Thanks to the support of the and sandwiches for patients been fundraising to help bring two tremendous fundraisers, QEHB to enjoy whilst waiting for their Portable Ultrasound Scanners to the Charity is closer than ever to appointments. All profits from imaging department. The scanners bringing two new pieces of cutting- the tea bar go directly towards will assist with difficult needle edge equipment for the treatment providing ‘added extras’ for the insertions, particularly those who of left-sided breast cancer to Radiotherapy department. have had extensive chemotherapy. QEHB’s Radiotherapy Department. The tea bar is now celebrating Beverly said: “MRIs can be a having raised an incredible £10,000 stressful time for a patient, and in less than a year! extra time taken to be cannulated The tea bar is run by can increase stress for patients. The volunteers, Sukh Devi, new machines will reduce this time, Jean Mannan and Liz Moran, who combined therefore reducing patient stress.” have volunteered in the

16 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 NewNew appealappeal toto bringbring ‘Home‘Home awayaway fromfrom Home’Home’ toto familiesfamilies ofof patientspatients atat QEHBQEHB

QEHB is performing an increasing accommodation which, in turn, especially when factoring in number of transplants each year, will help them to concentrate on accommodation costs, as patients and the number of people on the their medical recovery. Families can can sometimes be in hospital transplant waiting list is also rising. focus on what really matters; being for weeks or even months at a there for their loved one as they time. Undergoing a transplant is There are approximately 12 undergo life-changing surgery. a very stressful time for everyone transplant families at any one time involved, so being able to stay visiting their relatives who have “We need to raise £300,000 in close by to loved ones would received a transplant at QEHB. order to fund the home, which will make a huge difference in helping Whilst some of these families be situated within a five minute to take some of that stress away. are local to the West Midlands walk of the hospital, offering I’m doing this challenge to raise and can travel to and from QEHB a non-clinical environment money for the brilliant hospital each day, others live much further for families and patients. The that saved my life, as well as to away. The hospital serves a Charity will also be responsible help other families who are going large catchment area, with some for the ongoing running costs, through similar experiences. I transplant families travelling from which will include funding every also want to do this to honour my the North West, Wales, and the day home comforts like tea, donor. Without my donor and her South West. coffee and biscuits, as well as family I wouldn’t be here today. heating, electricity and overall QEHB Charity wants to bring a I made a promise to make each maintenance of the property.” ‘home away from home’ nearby day count and to make the most to the hospital, so that families of A brave double lung transplant of the gift I have been given.” transplant patients can be close patient, Kayleigh Murphy, is to their loved one in their time of backing the Charity’s Home away need, without having to worry from Home appeal, and is even about financial pressures or finding taking on her own fundraising accommodation at short notice. challenge in aid of the cause. Kayleigh, who underwent a OUT MORE Sophie Carroll, QEHB Charity’s FIND transplant in 2016, is set to trek Fundraising Officer who is heading more than 230km of Iceland’s up the campaign, said: “Having terrain on horseback, to raise their loved ones close by will To find out more about the money for the appeal. be a huge source of comfort for Home away from Home transplant patients. A dedicated She said: “I travelled to QEHB appeal please go to home away from home will from Lichfield but many patients qehb.org/homefromhome ensure that patients won’t have and families travel much further. or call 0121 371 4852. to worry about their family’s This becomes an added stress,

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 17 Eager fundraiser completes a marathon and a half in one day!

Jude Thompson, Managing Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Director of CSCM, an IT business Run Half Marathon on the same based in Oldbury, has gone day! So far Jude has raised £1,000 fundraising mad for QEHB with more still to come in! Justine Young fundraiser Charity! Jude not only took on a Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB skydive, he also took part in Vélo Charity said: “Thank you Jude for is determined to Birmingham, a 100 -mile cycle ride, your truly momentous effort for and just three weeks later, Jude the Charity, you really have gone make a difference completed both the Birmingham over and above for patients and International Marathon and the staff at QEHB.” Memorial night raises huge amount for young people with cancer

Twelve year old Ryan Raeiszadeh has raised over £80 to support research into Alzheimer’s at QEHB. Ryan has been taking on chess challengers at a local cafe, with Phil Lancaster and his family and way in helping the Charity to go money going to support patients friends have raised between them ‘over and above’ for young people with Alzheimer’s. Ryan decided an incredible £9,000 to support with cancer. I’d like to thank Phil that playing chess was a great way young people with cancer at for his hard work, and also thank to raise awareness as the game is QEHB. The event was held in everyone who came along and linked to keeping the mind active. memory of Phil’s son James who helped to raise such a brilliant total.” was treated on the Teenage Ryan has also been giving YPU treats teenagers and young Cancer Trust’s Young Person’s Unit adults aged 16-24 and helps to talks to school friends on the (YPU) at QEHB. issue, saying: “I have seen what support them on their journey Alzheimer’s can do, and the effect The night was a great success, with cancer, from providing fun it has on family members. with an auction including paintings activities and pizza nights, to a and prints from artists Hamish specialised tutor to minimise the “One day I want to become Blakely and Adam Bartlett. disruption to their education. To a Neurologist and find a cure Mike Hammond, Charity Chief find out more about how the or a treatment to prevent this Charity supports young people terrible disease. It means a lot to Executive said: “It was a poignant way of remembering James and with cancer, or to donate, visit contribute to the research into www.qehb.org/teenagecancer dementia and Alzheimer’s.” the money raised will go a long

18 LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 Paramedic scales Snowdon seven times in seven days

ation ham New Street St Birming Britvic

Chona Feliciano & the Endocrine Team

Co-op Oldbury

Emma Wingate & Radiotherapy Team

Heidi Morrell

ompany Idex Consulting C Team cDowall & Theatre Kidderminster paramedic Amanda money to support the team Jodie M Hill has raised a staggering and their work. £3,148.87 by climbing Mount During her walking expedition, QEHB Travel Club Snowdon seven times in just seven Amanda camped at the bottom of days to raise money to support Snowdon along with her husband Robinsons catering patients and fund research into and dog. Mr Fidoe and his wife neuroendocrine tumours. came along to give moral support e Scoular Amanda was inspired by her to Amanda as she went about her Zo neighbour William Fidoe, who epic mission. is a patient of Dr Tahir Shah at Amanda is pictured above the Queen Elizabeth Hospital alongside William and Lynda Team ‘Scrambled Birmingham. Amanda knew how Fidoe, NET Clinical Nurse Specialist Legs’ don their much the team at QEHB had Stacey Smith and Dr Tahir Shah, helped Mr Fidoe and decided to Head of Birmingham NET Centre. running trainers do something incredible to raise for QEHB Charity Right royal ball raises over £45,000 for The Giles Trust entrepreneur Caprice. Ashley and his wife, Stine set up the Giles Trust after Stine developed a brain tumour in 2006. The event had musical A team of over 30 runners entertainment from reality TV star from The Plough pub in turned musician, Julius Cowdrey, Harborne took to the streets of and DJ Phil Upton, as well as silent Birmingham for the International and live auctions with exciting Marathon and the Simplyhealth sporting prizes. Great Birmingham Run to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust The annual Giles Trust ball Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager said: “It was a wonderful Young Person’s Unit at QEHB. held at Edgbaston Cricket evening of food and dancing, and The team have worked tirelessly Ground was once again a huge of course generous fundraising, throughout the year by holding success, raising awareness and thank you to everybody who pub quizzes and pub landlord, funds for brain tumour research came along and I hope to see Adam, even completed the Virgin at QEHB. Attendees included many of you at the next event to Money Giving London Marathon former England Cricketers, Ashley continue to support brain tumour in 2017. The dedicated fundraisers Giles and Jim Troughton, and research in the West Midlands.” have already raised over £15,000!

LOVE QEHB - QEHB CHARITY NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 24 19 Exclusive Homes, Outstanding Locations

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