Focus Winter 2023

Welcome to Focus, the quarterly magazine from Imperial Health Charity.

I'd like to start this edition with a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Over the last year, your generous donations have enabled us to provide extra support for our hospitals, helping them get through what has been an extraordinarily challenging period.

You've helped us refurbish hospital wards, waiting areas and staff rooms, creating better facilities for our patients and NHS staff. You've helped us fund advanced medical equipment that has transformed the care hospital staff can provide for patients. You've helped us invest in ground-breaking research and innovation, driving forward dozens of new initiatives that will improve healthcare at our hospitals for generations to come. And so much more.

Let's not forget your donations have also enabled us to continue our fantastic arts and volunteering programmes, which help our hospitals provide an even better standard of care day-in-day-out.

Without your kindness, compassion and generosity, this valuable support - which means so much to our patients and the NHS staff who care for them - would not have been possible. You can turn to pages 4 and 5 to read more about the enormous impact you've made at our hospitals - and throughout this edition, you can read some of the incredible personal stories that have inspired many of you to get involved in our work over the last year.

If you're able to, please continue to help our hospitals by donating online at imperialcharity.org.uk/donate.

Thank you.

Ian Lush OBE Chief Executive, Imperial Health Charity

BELOW: Chelsea footballer Kai Havertz pays a surprise visit to deliver Christmas gifts on our children's wards.

Focus IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

'Patients have always been at the centre' - research pioneers

star in photo project

A profile series spotlighting the incredible research that takes place at our hospitals has put two of our fellows under the microscope.

Dr Shivani Misra and Dr Justin Roe feature in Humans of Health Research, a special series of interviews and photographs celebrating the powerful impact of medical research.

Back in 2012 your donations enabled us to award Shivani a research fellowship to progress her study into a rare form of diabetes. The fellowship helped her move on to a PhD and she was later named one of London's leading “We must remind ourselves as clinicians that what is 'everyday' for us is not 'everyday' for our patients”

health influencers by the London Evening Standard newspaper.

"One of the things I enjoy about research is being able to give a participant information that they didn't have before," she said. "That's extremely powerful for me."

Dr Justin Rowe was awarded a similar fellowship grant in 2018. Your support helped him develop research into the use of liquid antimicrobial surfaces, which reduce the spread of pathogens in hospital and combat antibiotic resistance.

Justin said: "Patients have always been at the centre of my research. I think one of the most important things to remind ourselves as clinicians is that what is 'everyday' for us is not 'everyday' for our patients."

Photos: Dave Guttridge, Imperial College London

ABOVE: Dr Justin Roe and participant Catherine Anderson. BELOW: Dr Shivani Misra and participant Rodney Brooks.

support children in hospital this winter?

We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has kindly donated in support of our Winter Appeal over the last few weeks.

Since we launched the appeal back in November, we've been blown away by the response - and your generosity and goodwill has helped us raise an incredible £29,000 so far. But we still have a long way to go to reach our target. Could you help us provide extra support for seriously ill children in hospital?

Your generous donations could help us support children like Oscar, who was admitted to the Grand Union ward at St Mary's Hospital last year for a bone marrow transplant.

Oscar lives with an extremely rare medical condition called DiamondBlackfan anaemia, which prevents his bone marrow from producing red blood cells. For several months Oscar's family have made St Mary's their home - but the conditions are far from ideal.

More comfortable facilities and better play equipment would dramatically improve his experience of being in hospital.

"You hope your child is never admitted to hospital but, should they need that expert care, St Mary's is exactly the place for them to be," said Kathi and Henry, Oscar's parents.

"Oscar has received outstanding care throughout his time at St Mary's but the ward environment and facilities are in desperate need of love and attention."

With your support this winter we will be able to make a real difference for children like Oscar. Turn to page 12 to make a donation today.

Investing in Paddington as a hub for life sciences sector

Thanks to your generous support, we're working in partnership with our hospitals to drive forward an exciting plan that will see Paddington become a major hub for the 'life sciences' sector.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is aiming to develop new partnerships in the life sciences industry, attracting investment and innovation in the area around St Mary's Hospital.

The commitment to life sciences is a key part of the Trust's planned redevelopment of St Mary's, which will create an extra 1.5 million square feet of commercial and lab space for life sciences businesses alongside a new and improved hospital.

In the long term, the project will help the Trust provide improved health and wellbeing for people living in north west London.

Your donations have enabled us to support the project by awarding a £10,000 grant, which has helped to fund a new 'digital collaboration' space in nearby Sheldon Square.

As a home for the Imperial Biomedical Research Centre's growing digital health team, the building will provide a dedicated space for lectures, training, events and meetings, supporting efforts to boost community health beyond the hospital walls.

Read more about the project at paddingtonlifesciences.co.uk king

Wreath-making workshops help NHS staff relax and reflect

We invited NHS staff to take a break from the pressures of patient care and join us in creating some festive decorations in the runup to Christmas.

Artist Rhian Sutcliffe ran two wreathmaking workshops for hospital staff in December as part of our arts engagement programme, providing a welcome space for calm and creativity, with two extra workshops by artist Joy Gregory for staff to make festive cards and posters.

ABOVE: The new digital collaboration space at Sheldon Square, near St Mary's Hospital.

Helping our hospitals - thanks to your incredible support!

The NHS continues to face extraordinary challenges - but thanks to your generous donations we're helping our hospitals provide outstanding care for patients in north west London and beyond.

Over the last year, your incredible support has enabled us to continue offering extra support to NHS staff and patients at five major hospitalsCharing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen

Charlotte's & Chelsea, St Mary's and Western Eye.

Whether it's funding improvements to hospital buildings, providing creative arts activities at the bedside or purchasing cutting-edge medical equipment, your donations are helping us make a real and lasting impact for patients.

And at a time when NHS staff are facing exceptional pressures, your

generosity has enabled us to provide additional wellbeing support as well as creating better rest areas and breakroom facilities.

Here we've brought together just a few of the many fantastic projects we've delivered over the last year - so you can see how your donations are making a real impact.

Thank you for your continued support!

WHY

SUPPORT IMPERIAL HEALTH CHARITY

'I hope others like me can benefit from vital research'

Amother diagnosed with a rare brain tumour says she hopes patients with similar conditions will benefit from vital research led by experts at Charing Cross Hospital.

Nancy Carter-Bradley is currently receiving treatment for a very rare brain tumour called an astrocytoma. She wants to raise awareness of the condition and support pioneering research that could save lives in the future.

Nancy, 47, has generously donated thousands of pounds from a crowdfunding campaign to help us support brain tumour research at Charing Cross. Her gift will be used to fund a research practitioner post, helping the hospital's cancer team drive forward new clinical trials.

"I really hope this money will make a big difference - and that other people like me can benefit from vital research in the future," said Nancy, a mother of two who lives in Hampshire. "Anything we can do to alleviate people's suffering has to be a positive thing."

Nancy's condition was first diagnosed back in 2005 and she has pursued various treatments over the last 18 years. As well as exhausting chemotherapy, the condition also affects her vision and balance - and sadly doctors have told her the tumour is inoperable. Although doctors aren't able to remove her tumour, Nancy is optimistic that a

For the last decade Nancy has been receiving outstanding care and treatment from Clinical Oncologist Matt Williams and his team at Charing Cross Hospital. Their incredible care and support has helped to stabilise her condition and improve her quality of life.

Now Nancy hopes continued research into these rare tumours will make sure many more patients who are diagnosed with brain cancer are able to live longer, happier lives in the future.

"Matt and his team have given my family and me such fantastic care and support over the last 10 years," said Nancy.

"I have always felt I was in such safe hands.

"I wanted to make sure my donation went directly to support their incredible work so that they can continue helping other people who are living with rare brain tumours."

new technology already being used to treat other types of brain cancer could significantly extend her life. She is currently taking part in a nine-month study led by experts in Switzerland, which involves wearing special headgear that uses electrodes to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Nancy initially began her crowdfunding campaign to help her afford the pioneering 'Optune' treatment, which isn't currently available for her type of tumour. But after she was invited to take part in the trial, she chose to donate the funds to support vital research at Charing Cross.

'I've received fantastic care and support for over 10 years'

ABOVE: Nancy Carter-Bradley has been receiving treatment at Charing Cross Hospital for a rare brain tumour.

“I wanted to make sure my donation went directly to support the team at Charing Cross and help other people who are living with rare brain tumours”

Museum volunteers tell story of major medical discovery

Almost 100 years ago, St Mary's Hospital was home to one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century - and today our volunteers are helping to share this incredible story.

The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum opened at St Mary's back in 1993, documenting Fleming's revolutionary discovery of penicillin.

After closing temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum finally reopened its doors to visitors last year.

And our Museum Guide Volunteers are now playing an important role helping Museum Curator and Archivist Kevin Brown share Fleming's ground-breaking work with the world.

Patricia Walton has been volunteering with us for over 10 years, and has a special connection to Fleming's landmark discovery.

"Penicillin has followed me throughout my life," she said.

"I was given penicillin when I was three years old for pneumonia and measles. Without it, I'm sure I would have died."

Patricia later worked for the pharmaceutical company Beecham as part of the legal team responsible for patenting the drug.

After going on to enjoy a successful 30-year career at the BBC, she then joined its volunteer visitor scheme, providing companionship to retired BBC staff.

Today Patricia enjoys her shifts in the museum, alongside several other volunteers who have joined her since the pandemic.

The museum houses Fleming's historic laboratory, restored to its original condition, with a film and exhibition about his landmark discovery of the drug.

Feeling inspired? Find out more about volunteering opportunities in our hospitals at imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer

Dozens of young people aged 16 to 21 have been making a big impact in our hospitals after signing up to take part in our Youth Volunteering Programme.

More than 50 young people are currently volunteering with us at Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital, supporting NHS staff and helping to improve the experience of care for patients and their families.

The programme provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about a career in healthcare while doing something meaningful to support their local community.

Many of those taking part in the programme have told us they're passionate about healthcare and excited to explore a medical career in the future.

"My first shift was very rewarding," one volunteer told us. "I met so many incredible people and I can't wait to come back next week!"

You can find out more about our latest volunteer roles at imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer

'I met so many incredible people - I can't wait to come back next week!'

ABOVE: Volunteer Patricia Walton and Archivist Kevin Brown at the Fleming Laboratory Museum.

“Penicillin has followed me throughout my life. I had measles when I was threewithout it I would have died”

'Held in Hope': how Covid-19 changed us - and the world

A new exhibition exploring the impact of the pandemic on our hospitals and communities is now on display.

Held in Hope showcases the work of six artists and reflects on their personal feelings as well as the way Covid-19 has shaped our society.

Available to view at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary's hospitals, the displays include photographs, watercolours, drawings and much more.

One of the artists featured in the exhibition is Hannah Deller, a matron on our children's wards at St Mary's, who previously worked as a photographer and used her skills to document life on the Covid wards.

Her images give a rare insight into nursing during lockdown and were featured on television and in newspapers as well as inspiring an album celebrating frontline workers.

For Thompson Hall, another of the artists whose work is included in Held in Hope, drawing and painting served as a way to portray his own perspectives as a person with a learning disability navigating daily life during the pandemic.

"I took ideas from my own personal experiences - from my childhood, for example - and added them to the political issues that affect everybody," he said. "It was about asking: What will we face after this is over? How will Covid change things?"

Also included in the exhibition are photographic collages by Bindi Vora, paintings by Susie Hamilton, a poem from Keith Jarrett and bespoke silhouette portraits from Aida Silvestri.

Held in Hope is available to view for free at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary's hospitals. You can find out more about our arts programme at imperialhcharity.org.uk/arts

BELOW: Artworks from the Held in Hope exhibition, which is now on display at three of our hospitals.

“What will we face after this is over? How will the pandemic change things?”

Artist's travel adventures are inspiration for latest 'Art in Focus' exhibition

We were delighted to unveil a colourful new exhibition of 10 works by artist Anthony Lysycia at St Mary's Hospital.

Painted on location during his travels, these watercolours feature rolling countryside scenes, islands, sunsets and mountains from all around the world.

The stunning artworks have helped to bring the spirit of nature to the walls of the Cambridge Wing for patients and staff at the hospital to enjoy.

People passing through the hospital will also be able to stop and read accompanying text provided by Lysycia, including anecdotes that recall his memories and adventures from his travels in countries such as Australia and Thailand.

As well as his paintings, Lysycia also produces sculptures and commissions from his home and studio in Essex. He also works regularly with schools to share his knowledge of stone and wood carving.

Antony Lysycia: An Artist's Travels will be available to view in the Cambridge Wing at St Mary's Hospital until March 2023, and at Charing Cross and Hammersmith hospitals later in the year.

We believe creativity is key to our health and wellbeing. You can find out more about our arts programme on our website. Go to: imperialcharity.org.uk/arts

Chelsea star Havertz delivers festive gifts to children's wards

Christmas came early for young patients at St Mary's Hospital as football superstar Kai Havertz made a surprise visit to our children's wards.

The Chelsea striker, who starred for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar last year, made a special appearance to visit children at the hospital's Great Western and Grand Union wards.

Kai also brought some festive cheer to the children's outpatients department and haematology day unit as he stopped to meet young football fans and their familiesmany of whom were spending the festive period in hospital.

As well as meeting one of the world's biggest sports stars, the children also received signed Chelsea shirts, toys, games and other gifts generously donated by Kai and his partner Sophia Weber.

Every year thousands of seriously ill children from across the UK are treated at St Mary's, which provides one of the most comprehensive paediatric services in the country.

chance to meet one of their idols in real life is a truly magical thing”

The hospital's expert staff are world leaders in their field, driving clinical research and innovation to make sure children with serious injuries, illnesses and life-threatening health conditions receive outstanding care.

On top of the presents Kai and Sophia delivered, the children also received other gifts and toys donated by the Chelsea FC Foundation.

Tina Halton, a Play Specialist at St Mary's, said Kai's visit had helped to give children and staff at the hospital a real boost before Christmas.

"We're so grateful to Kai and Sophia, to the Chelsea FC Foundation and to Imperial Health Charity for organising this special visit," said Tina. "To see young patients - some of whom have been in hospital for several weekshave the chance to meet one of their idols is a truly magical thing."

“For young patients to have the

BELOW: Chelsea's Kai Havertz hands out a signed football shirt.

HOW OUR SUPPORT IS MAKING AN IMPACT

Driving forward new research into infectious diseases

Opening up opportunities for women in science and healthcare

This pioneering new research will be delivered by the Parasol Foundation Centre for Women's Health and Cancer Research - a partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial Health Charity and the Parasol Foundation.

The centre was set up in March 2022 with the aim of supporting vital research into women's health.

Scientists are set to begin exciting new research that could help us learn more about the links between life-threatening infectious diseases and pregnancy, thanks to support from Ms Ruth Monicka Parasol, the Parasol Foundation and Imperial Health Charity.

Researchers at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will use thousands of blood samples provided by women as part of their maternity care to examine rates of immunity and infection during their pregnancy.

A similar study in 2020 enabled experts to track the spread of Covid-19 - and they believe developing this approach could advance our knowledge of other diseases like polio and rubella. The research could even help scientists learn more about future pandemics by pinpointing when and where viruses spread.

The work will be led by research midwife Alison Perry, whose post will be generously funded by the Parasol Foundation, with support from a wider team of expert scientists.

Alison said the project would help us understand where infections are occurring and what sort of people they are likely to affect.

"These routine blood samples are stored for two years when women book for pregnancy care," she said.

"Across the country women give over 500,000 of these blood samples each year, so there's real potential for us to see where and how levels of infection and immunity are changing."

It's focused on developing advanced treatments for women's cancers and helping us understand the health impacts of pre-term birth.

This new project will expand the centre's research into infectious diseases as well as creating exciting career opportunities for female scientists.

The project involves setting up focus groups with women in north west London so that their input can help to shape the research.

And in the longer term, the data will be fed into a 'sleeping' study that could be used to track the spread of a future pandemic.

Dr Lynne Sykes is part of the team who will be involved in the project.

"During the pandemic these routine blood samples were used to help us see when Covid started to transmit between people," she said.

"The Covid study was the first one to use these samples in this way - and this could be a really exciting next step."

You can find out lots more about this pioneering research on our website. Just go to: imperialcharity.org.uk/parasol

“There is real potential for us to see where and how levels of infection and immunity are changing.”

ABOVE: Ruth Parasol (centre right), Principal Benefactress of the Parasol Foundation, meets researchers on a visit to Hammersmith Hospital.

Super swimmer Jeff braves the cold for freezing fundraiser

Dates for your diary

Up for a challenge? There are so many exciting ways for you to get involved in fundraising events to support our work. Why not have a go at some of these great fundraising activities?

COLOR OBSTACLE RUSH DATE: 20 MAY 2023

For the adventurous, enjoy the festival atmosphere at Kempton Park Racecourse as you jog, bounce and laugh your way along this incredible 5k obstacle course. Prepare for clouds of colour powder, music, slides and foam - making this an exciting and memorable day for all. Don't want the fun to end? Join the after party at the end of the course for a boogie to celebrate your physical and fundraising achievements.

RIDE LONDON-ESSEX 100 DATE: 28 MAY 2023

A

keen swimmer who took the plunge in a cold water challenge to help seriously ill children at St Mary's Hospital has raised almost £1,000 to support our work.

Jeff Harris, whose wife works as a Clinical Psychologist at St Mary's, was inspired to take on the freezing fundraiser after hearing about the hospital's incredible work providing care and treatment for young patients on the children's wards.

He inspired friends and family to sponsor him by braving temperatures as low as 8.5 degrees as he put his body to the test in an extraordinary 10km open-water swim throughout the month of November last year.

Prolonged swimming in cold temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia, so in order to stay safe

“It was difficult, particularly on rainy days when the air temperature was cold and the conditions were blustery”

Jeff spread the distance over 15 swims - reaching his 10km target on the very last day of the month.

He has so far raised over £900, nearly double his original goal, which will go towards our St Mary's Children's Fund campaign.

Jeff's fantastic fundraising feats will help us provide even better care for seriously ill children in hospital by funding much-improved facilities and playroom toys.

Jeff, who only recently took up outdoor swimming, said: "It's great exercise for physical and mental health, and a real challenge during the winter months. It was difficult, particularly on rainy days when the air temperature was cold and the conditions were blustery. But I wanted to set myself a challenge that would involve swimming regularly and I enjoyed it a lot."

Experience 100 miles of traffic-free roads on this spectacular cycle ride, taking in famous London locations and 60 miles of stunning Essex countryside on your way. Beginning on Victoria Embankment and finishing on Tower Bridge, you'll be able to wave to friends and family as you start and finish this iconic cycle.

ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON DATE:

8 OCTOBER 2023

Lace up your trainers and take in some of London's best landmarks on this 13.1-mile course, which weaves its way through four of the capital's royal parks - Hyde Park, Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens. Whether you want to walk, jog or run, this is a wonderful way to see the city's autumn colours while raising vital funds to support our hospitals.

For more information about all our fundraising events, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events or email info@imperialcharity.org.uk

For more information about all our fundraising events, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events or email fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk

ABOVE: Swimmer Jeff Harris completed his epic open-water swim to raise vital funds.

Feeling inspired? Find out how you can take part in a fundraising event to help our hospitals at imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events

WINTER APPEAL

Day and night, our children's wards at St Mary's Hospital provide outstanding care for young patients with life-threatening illnesses and health conditions. This winter, NHS staff are working round the clock to look after hundreds of children in their hour of need - but right now the facilities on our children's wards don't measure up to the exceptional care that staff provide.

To make things better for children and their families, we want to completely refurbish the current playroom and create a multi-purpose play and therapy space for children of all ages - from toddlers to teenagers. As well as ensuring children have a vibrant and uplifting play space filled

with toys, games and interactive resources, we want to provide modern facilities where the hospital's specialist therapy teams can offer tailored support to boost a child's recovery.

The brand new space will be used for physiotherapy to support children with mobility issues and long-term disabilities, as well as creating a dedicated area for art and music therapy.

We're reaching the end of our appeal but we still need to raise another £66,000 to make our vision a reality. Your generous donation could make all the difference, helping us transform the playroom into a modern facility that's fit for the future.

How can I make a donation?

1. Fill in a donation form

Complete the form on page 13 of this magazine, tear it off and post it back to us at the following address:

Winter Appeal

Imperial Health Charity 178-180 Edgware Road London, W2 2DS

2. Donate online

To make a donation online, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate

3. Give us a call

To discuss your donation in confidence, call our fundraising team on 020 3640 7766

.

Your support could help us transform our playroom into a modern play and therapy space for children of all ages.

Will you help us provide a fantastic new play and therapy space for children at St Mary's Hospital?

BELOW: The current playroom at St Mary's Hospital, which is now in desperate need of refurbishment.

Make a donation today to help us transform the playroom.

I'd like to make a donation towards transforming the children's playroom at St Mary's Hospital:

£100 £50 £25

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For every £1 you donate, Gift Aid allows us to claim 25p from HM Revenue & Customs, increasing the value of your donation at no extra cost to you. Please tick the box below:

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Yes, I would like to hear from Imperial Health Charity about the impact my gift has made as well as other news, events and opportunities to support their work. (You can opt out of communications at any time by emailing fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk. For more information, go to imperialcharity.org.uk/privacy)

Please make sure all the fields above are completed and return this form to: Winter Appeal, Imperial Health Charity, 178-180 Edgware Road, London, W2 2DS

Should we exceed our target for this appeal, we'll make sure your gift goes towards other important projects for the benefit of children and families receiving care at St Mary's.

A registered charity, no. 1166084

How to support our work

Make a donation

We rely on your support to continue our important work. To make a donation, please visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate or call 020 3640 7766

Fundraise

Do you have an idea for a sporting challenge or a sponsored event? Fundraise for Imperial Health Charity and we’ll support you every step of the way. For upcoming events and fundraising ideas, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/fundraising-events or call 020 3640 7766

Other ways to get involved

Volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in helping our hospitals. To find out more about our latest volunteering opportunities, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer or call 020 3005 6391

Apply for funding

Are you a member of staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust? You may be eligible to apply for funding. To find out more, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/grants or call 020 3006 5328

About us

Imperial Health Charity helps our hospitals do more through grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising.

We fund major redevelopments, research and medical equipment as well as helping patients and their families at times of extreme financial difficulty.

Supporting the arts in healthcare, we manage an Arts Council accredited hospital art collection and run an arts engagement programme for patients and NHS staff.

We also manage volunteering across all five hospitals, adding value to the work of staff and helping to improve the hospital experience for patients. Fundraising through major appeals and community events enables us to continue our important work.

We're on social media

Find us online to keep up to date with all our latest news across grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising.

@ImperialCharity

@charityimperial

@ImperialCharity

All images produced in accordance with national Covid-19 guidance at the time that photography took place.

Imperial Health Charity

178–180 Edgware Road London W2 2DS

imperialcharity.org.uk

T: 020 3640 7766

E: info@imperialcharity.org.uk

Imperial Health Charity is a charity registered in England and Wales, no. 1166084