DETERMIND runners raised thousands of pounds at Harefield Hospital’s Fun Run and Family day to mark the end of Organ Donation Week.

More than 30 heart and lung transplant patients joined 1,000 other supporters on Sunday, September 11 at the Harefield Hospital Fun Run and Family Day.  

The fun run is one of the biggest events in the charity’s calendar and has raised £35,000 and counting for the extension of Harefield Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Once completed, this extension will mean that another 250 critically ill patients can be treated each year at Harefield.

This year was even more special than most, as it marked 35 years since the first ever Fun Run.

Eric Morecambe was there all those years ago to fire the start gun before leading patients and their families around the hospital grounds and the nearby village of Harefield, at a distance of one mile.

Three and a half decades later, this event has become one of the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital’s Charity’s largest and now encompasses three different runs for supporters to get stuck into.

This year, it was the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr John Hensley who kicked off proceedings.

He spoke of how honoured he was to open this landmark Fun Run, and that the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity is one of his chosen charities for the year.

More than 622 people ran one of thecourses –  a 5k, 10k or a shorter jog – before enjoying a whole host of family friendly activities, food stalls, vintage car displays and the ever popular tug of war.

Winner of the prize for the largest team taking part in the Fun Run was Anbu’s Army, captained by Suganthini Anbalagan, whose husband received a life-saving heart transplant in 2014.

She said: “It was a fantastic day for Anbu’s Army. We had 26 participants in our team and it was great to see lots of children, teens, parents, grandparents and patients participating in the 5k and 10k runs to raise money for Harefield Hospital. 

“It was a really a family fun day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the donor families, doctors, nurses and staff for supporting each patient and their families.” 

June Jones, one of the Charity’s dedicated volunteers, dressed up as a mascot for sponsors Kier Construction.

She said: “I loved participating in the Fun Run, even though it was a very hot and sweaty experience because I was dressed as Kieran the mascot!

“Kieran especially enjoyed bringing so much enjoyment to the children who attended on the day – they loved him!

“It was a great experience being involved with such a worthy charity.

“A BIG thank you to all who organised it!”