Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 23rd June I will be riding the 100 mile Great Notts Bike Ride and I would like to take the opportunity to raise some money for the amazing staff from the intensive care units at The Royal Derby and Glenfield hospitals.  

Early last summer my dad was taken to hospital with shortness of breath and chest pains. After 6 days in hospital he was told that he needed a valve repair but there was no rush and it could be done later in the year. The following night, luckily while still in hospital, his mitral valve failed and his lungs filled with fluid. He was sedated and put on life support. We were told that unless he was rushed to the specialist cardiac unit at Glenfield hospital in Leicester he would not survive. We were also told that the chances of him surviving the journey were slim. It was suggested we say our goodbyes, just in case. I told him I'd see him in Leicester! Luckily we did. Once he arrived safely at Glenfield they were able to repair his mitral and bicuspid valves, he also got a single bypass while they were at it.

Two things struck me, obviously the incredible the skill of the surgeons who were able to repair my dad’s heart, but also the level of care he received while in ICU was beyond my expectation. He was monitored continuously, twenty-four hours a day! The dedication of the nurses and doctors is unparalleled. Imagine a twelve-hour shift sitting at the bottom of a hospital bed monitoring and recording everything. Now imagine the pressure of having patient’s life in your hands. This is why I want to raise some money to say thank you for their hard work because without it I wouldn't have my dad. 

I have two pages, one for Derby and one for Glenfield, please split donations between the two. Thanks for your support.