This Christmas, the gbpfoundation is making a range of donations to good causes and charities that are close to the hearts of our staff.
On the seventh day of Christmas giving, the gbpfoundation donated £250 to support the work of The Somerville Foundation, nominated by Jane Batchelor, gbp Head of Marketing & Communications. The Somerville Foundation provides support for adults born with heart disease and work to make sure that those born with a heart condition do not feel isolated or alone and have access to support.
The Somerville Foundation have been supporting Jane’s close friend, Louise, since her diagnosis earlier this year of a coarctation of her aorta. Jane explains why their work is so important to Louise and her friends and family, and how they have been fundraising to support the Foundation’s work:
"Lou’s diagnosis came as a bolt out the blue and threw us all - the median age of survival for her condition is 38 without diagnosis and corrective surgery. (Lou is in her early 40’s).
Lou’s now waiting for life changing surgery- which has been delayed by Covid. Like thousands of other people in the UK with critical illness's - be it heart issues or cancers - unfortunately, Louise and many others are being left like sitting ducks. Some will make it, some won't. That's the grim reality.
To help raise awareness of the plight of sitting ducks like Lou - and perhaps even raise a few funds for the Somerville Foundation - myself and two of her closest friends, decided to undertake a challenge during November of running and walking 100 miles.
We all hope that Lou will be at the top of the list to receive the Covid vaccine when it is available. We also hope that her surgery is able to be carried out soon.
I know that The Somerville Foundation will continue to support Lou emotionally through her upcoming operation and will offer help where needed. We are all immensely grateful for the work that the Foundation does and for the donation from the gbpFoundation."
Lou’s journey continues – and we are all with her - every step of the way.
Find out more about the work of The Somerville Foundation, click here
