Hearts and minds appeal reaches £525,000

AN appeal to build a new leading-edge research unit at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough has reached more than £525,000 – 80% of its £650,000 target – thanks to the efforts of fundraisers.

The unit will focus on research which prevents heart attacks, develops exercise programmes in patients with heart problems and makes better use of data and digital technology in research.

The Academic Cardiovascular Unit appeal Hearts + Minds is being run jointly by Our Hospitals Charity and South Cleveland Heart Fund.

Since launching in March, thousands of people from across the region have got behind the cause, organising various fundraising events or donating to the appeal in memory of loved ones.

Highlights include an annual golf day at Middlesbrough Golf Club, Motown and 80s music nights at the Dorman’s Club, and a Children’s Halloween Twilight Tour in partnership with Scream Factory.

Our Hospitals Charity also launched a burpee challenge, where competitors complete 10 burpees, tag 10 friends on social media and donate £10 to the appeal.

Thank you!

Both consultant cardiologist David Austin and leading cardiac surgeon Enoch Akowuah are delighted with the way people across the region have got behind the major fundraising campaign.

Enoch, who took part in the Redcar 10k to raise money for the unit, said: “We are hugely excited to have reached 80% of our fundraising target.

“The opportunity to have our delivery nurses working together with the academic cardiovascular unit in the same building is an exciting one.

“We are looking forward to designing and delivering high quality research which will improve the health of our patients in the Tees Valley and nationally.”

David added: “A big thank you for all the efforts that have been made to raise money for the Cardiovascular Research Facility – a fantastic effort in the current climate.

We are in touching distance of achieving this major milestone for our hospital and the region.”

David Austin, consultant cardiologist

There’s still time to help the appeal to reach the £650,000 target.

Deck the halls and raise some money

Our Hospitals Charity is now selling Christmas decorations and all proceeds will go to the Cardio Unit appeal.

Ben Murphy, Head of Our Hospitals Charity said: “Anyone interested in helping us to reach our target can come and have a browse at our merchandise and hear about how we are helping our NHS go further. We are based in the charity hub at James Cook Hospital, opposite Costa.”