The St George's Hospital Paediatric Team are taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride in aid of the St George's Hospital Charity's £5 million Children's Appeal, "Time for a Change".

I'm a Paediatrician working in the Children's Intensive Care Unit, looking after some of the sickest patients in London. It can be stressful, but I could not imagine a more rewarding job. The team treats desperately ill babies and children, and just a few days later many are on the road to recovery.

The NHS is an amazing institution, and St George's is typical in that it funds clinical care well. However our children's wards are cramped, uncomfortable and unsuited to the needs of families. This makes the experience of having a sick child, or being that child, that much worse. We can do something about this.

Children unlucky enough to be in hospital need more than the excellent clinical care we provide, but also deserve to be in a place that is bright, fun, welcoming and with enough room for them to be with their families.

The "Time for a Change" charity Appeal will raise money to modernise and extend all the children's wards at St George's.  This Appeal also aims to increase the size of our PICU by a third.

As many reading this will know, I already do a bit of cycling for fun. But this ride is for a different purpose. I hope you will join me in supporting the team and the Appeal with a donation.

Mant thanks for your support.

Jonathan