Sussex Stroke & Circulation Fund

Latest news

Ron Haines - Fund Raiser Extraordinaire

Ron Haines - Fund Raiser Extraordinaire.

Life-long Burgess Hill resident, Ronald Haines has been raising money for charities since 1997 and has collected numerous accolades in recognition of his achievements, the proudest of which was his invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2001. Ron said he couldn't believe it when the letter arrived from the Lord Chamberlain - he later learned that the people of Burgess Hill had nominated him for this distinction.

Born in 1934, Ron worked on the railways for 22 years until ill-health forced his early retirement. Ron underwent a Triple Heart Bypass in 1994 at Kings College Hospital in London and this was followed by a spell in the Princess Royal Hospital, Ron wanted to "give something back for what I've received. Both hospitals were so good to me, I wanted to show my appreciation" and so began his charity fund raising career. His first endeavours were to benefit Balcombe Ward where he was treated but he soon moved on to raise funds for St. Peter & St. James Hospice, The Cystic Fibrosis Society, CLIC (Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood), Sussex Air Ambulance and the annual Poppy Appeal, and more recently Help for Horses.

A chance encounter at the Vascular Assessment Unit resulted in Ron offering his services to raise funds for SSCF and he has twice set out his stall in Burgess Hill Market Place to sell our key rings and distribute information. The Market in the Shopping Centre has been the venue of most of Rons' fundraising since 1997.

From all the trustees and committee members we would like to say a very big Thank You Ron and keep up the good work.

Farewell to a stalwart supporter

Long time supporter of SSCF and the SVN (Society of Vascular Nurses) Guy McDonnell passed away on 13th November 2011. Our condolences to his wife and family - he will be sorely missed. Guy was out "claudication champion" and promoted the idea of exercise and life-style change to treat this condition. In 2007 he was co-opted onto the campaign to raise awareness of Peripheral Vascular Disease and appeared on Tyne Tees TV with former footballer "Supermac" Malcolm MacDonald.

We would like to thank Guy's family for arranging donations to the SSCF in lieu of flowers.

Launch of New Scheme for Bursaries and Grants

It was decided by the Committee to offer Educational Bursaries and Research and Innovation Grants for a range of projects to members of staff at the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospitals. Applicants for these grants must state how the proposed research, innovation or education will contribute to the improvement in the care of patients with vascular disease. Since the launch of the scheme in April 2011, four educational grants and two research grant have been successfully applied for and funded.

For further information about this scheme, please contact me on 01273 664650 or email sussexscf2011@hotmail.co.uk.

Charity Cricket Match at Woodmancote

For the second year running, the SSCF Team won the Charity Cricket Match at Woodmancote. The opposition, lead by Consultant Anaesthetist Jim Cooper, were soundly beaten by Waquar Yusuf and his young men from Lancing College as well as one or two members from the Royal Sussex County Hospitals’ Vascular Team.

Food this year, provided by the Big Pan Paella Company, was rapidly devoured and enjoyed between innings, and home made cakes and tea served at the end of the match.

Quiz Night in Brighton

The 2nd Quiz Night was a resounding success. The event, sponsored by Vascutek, was held at the St. George, Sudeley Street, Brighton and attracted a large crowd from the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Generous raffle prizes were donated by Sams restaurant, Kemptown Brasserie and the Barley Mow and almost a £1,000 was raised on the night.

Purchase of two new scanners with PRH Friends

You may recall that we reported the retirement of Richard Corbett in 2010. Well, Richard is still actively involved in Charitable causes, now as Chairman of the Friends of Princess Royal Hospital.

Working collaboratively with Friends, we have purchased two new scanners for the Brighton & Sussex University Hospital Trust — one to be used in the outpatients department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and the other for the TIA Clinic at the Princess Royal Hospital.

Richard also organized the 2nd David Cottendham Memorial Darts Match at the PRH Social Club in October 2010 where £340 was raised for the two Charities.