Imagine sitting in a hospital room and being told that your 17-year-old son would not survive without an emergency heart transplant. That was the moment my family’s world fell apart.
Four years ago, our son Ed, fit, healthy and football-mad, suddenly went from having a cough and tiredness to being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle.
After many weeks spent in hospital trying to stabilise Ed and failing, his only chance of survival was a transplant.
Ed spent three long months at Royal Papworth Hospital during the height of the Covid pandemic, over Christmas - his favourite time of year. Despite the circumstances, the staff did everything they could to lift his spirits.
Thankfully, Ed received his new heart, and today he is thriving.
Royal Papworth Hospital is a special place, and we are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary medical care Ed received. But the months waiting in hospital will stay with us forever.
During our stay we realised how desperately patients and families like ours need calm, uplifting spaces in the hospital. Spaces to let off steam, sometimes cry and sometimes simply gather strength for the often-long days ahead.
A warm, welcoming space can make all the difference, for patients, families, and even the dedicated staff who give so much of themselves every single day.
That is why I am asking you to join me in supporting Royal Papworth Charity's 30th anniversary fund, “Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures.
Your donation will help:
Upgrade day rooms with comfortable furnishings and tranquil design.
Create green, healing outdoor spaces for patients, families and staff.
Provide safe, restful areas where staff can recharge.
Develop a welcoming charity hub for patients, visitors, volunteers and loved ones.
Royal Papworth saved my son's life. Now, I want to help ensure every patient, family, and staff member experiences the emotional care they need.
Will you join me today by making a gift to "Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures"?
Together we can bring light, comfort, and dignity to everyone who walks through the hospital's doors.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering this. And I am happy to say that Ed, now 21, is doing well and, true to form, is already getting ready for Christmas at home. With gratitude,
Tandy Burdge Mother and committed supporter of Royal Papworth Charity
At the heart of this campaign is a plan to transform multiple key day rooms. These essential areas offer patients and their families the chance to rest, gather strength, and share precious moments. With upgrades including modern furnishings, recliner chairs, and tranquil design, we aim to provide dignity and comfort during life- changing experiences.
We’ll invest in healing, green environments both at the hospital and at Kingfisher House—spaces where patients and loved ones can breathe, reflect, and reconnect.
Green spaces within the NHS environment are crucial for both patient recovery and staff well-being. They offer a multitude of benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental health, and even faster physical recovery.
The hospital is one of the best in the country and is known for the quality of care its patients receive. This is down to the compassion and expertise of our hardworking staff. Having dedicated spaces where staff feel safe to rest and recharge is essential not just for their wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of their patients.
This public-facing hub will provide a welcoming space that supports visitors, volunteers, and staff alike with comfortable seating, digital access, charging stations, and thoughtful amenities that reflect our commitment to compassionate care.
The space will be equipped with a range of patient information in digital and physical formats to help incoming and outgoing patients access the right information for their condition or treatment journey. Working in collaboration with leading medical information service providers the charity hub will provide a central point in the hospital to communicate and engage with patients and friends and families.