When our daughter Shani was two, she went into Great Ormond Street Hospital with a chest infection and left with a dire diagnosis. The planned continued repair for her pulmonary atresia (her missing artery between her heart and lungs) was impossible due to her low saturation levels and reduced heart function. She was referred to palliative care and her family was given very little hope. 

However, her consultant continued to search for the best way forward for her, and her family sought advice from around the world, particularly from a respected consultant at the Schneider Children's Medical Centre in Tel Aviv, Dr Elchanan Bruckheimer. Together the doctors created a cocktail of life-strengthening medication for her and Shani grew stronger and happier, and until she became the lively, clever and hilarious 5-year-old that was strong enough for doctors to attempt the repair surgery she needed. Sadly, she did not survive this surgery but her family remains grateful to the doctors at both hospitals for all they did for her.

We are delighted this year to be supporting the Schneider Children's Medical Centre by helping them to acquire an incredible piece of technology which will revolutionise the way doctors diagnose and treat children in Israel and across the Middle East. The Holoscope creates 3D images of the heart as a hologram in the air in front of the doctor which can dramatically improve the precision and understanding of paediatric cardiologists, ultimately saving lives of children with serious heart conditions.

We are committed to supporting this project, and to help us we are delighted that two generous benefactors have agreed to match whatever we raise through this campaign in October, up to £10,000. We are extremely grateful for their support and hope that you will be able to make a donation today to help us reach our target of £20,000 in 2020.

With thanks,

Watch our Twenty For 2020 video: https://www.youtu.be/J8d9m9aLiM

From Juliet, Simon and The Trustees of the Shine for Shani Charitable Foundation

'It sounds like science fiction, but the Holoscope nevertheless is a revolutionary tool for cardiologists and particularly pediatric cardiologists. It is literally the future here and now.' 

Ronit Singer, Director, Schneider Children's Medical Centre

"The shared purpose of healing and reducing suffering manages to unite different populations, races, religious and political factions both amongst the staff and patients in a society which is rife with division. This clip sums up the Schneider Children's Centre for me"

Dr Elchanan Bruckheimer, Medical Director, Schneider Children's Medical Centre