An afternoon of rugby and good food has helped Lee Peck Media client Wessex Heartbeat raise enough money to buy state-of-the-art cardiac training equipment.
The charity held its second annual rugby lunch in Southampton and, with the fundraising total now totted up, more than £25,000 has been raised. It’s enough for the charity to buy state-of-the-art simulation software to help doctors learn how to perform heart operations.
Chief executive John Munro said the purchase is something that has long been on the charity’s wish list and that it the order will be placed this week.
He said: “This is fantastic news for the city and the wider Wessex region. Southampton has long had a reputation as one of the best cities in the UK for cardiac care and this equipment will help to ensure we remain at the very forefront of the industry.
“The purchase simply wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our fundraisers and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
This year’s rugby lunch, sponsored by Eric Robinson Solicitors, saw more than 100 people come together at Southampton’s Novotel for a meal and talks from a trio of rugby stars.
England fly half Andy Goode, Welsh rugby legend John Taylor and star of the game David Duckham regaled guests with tales from their time in the game.
The rugby lunch is one of dozens of events raising money for Wessex Heartbeat this year. On September 30 it will run The Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge; a 40 or 70 mile ride taking in Wellow, Romsey, Winchester, the Test Valley and Stockbridge.
To find out more about the Wessex Heartbeat visit www.heartbeat.co.uk/