Newlyweds donate money to Cardiac Centre in lieu of presents A - PDF document

Tuesday, July 16 th 2013 PRESS RELEASE Newlyweds donate money to Cardiac Centre in lieu of presents A NEWLYWED couple from Singleton have donated money in lieu of wedding presents to the Centre which saved the groom’s life three years ago. David and Helen Benwell were married this May after 17 years together and have donated £2,000 to the Lancashire Cardiac Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He was given a bypass operation at the Centre and wanted the money to go to Trust charity Blue Skies Hospitals Funds’ Heart of Gold Charitable Fund, which supports the work of the Cardiac Centre. David said: “I had a heart bypass three years ago and they were just fantastic on the Unit. Since having the operation it’s been fantastic, I’ve felt so much healthier. When I think back I can’t believe I didn’t have it done sooner. I had been dodging a bypass for 15 years and eventually ran out of road. It sounds weird but when I look back I had a great time in the Lancashire Suite; they were so fantastic it was almost like a holiday. “I have nothing but fond memories of the stay despite the seriousness of the operation. “Helen and I have been together for 17 years and I finally ran out of excuses to not get married! I retired from being the Head of HR for the DWP and so finally had the time to think about it and plan it.” David, who works as a Magistrate in Preston, continued: “When we sent out the invitations we asked for people to donate money because we’ve been together for 17 years and really don’t need anything. We just wanted to give something back.” Sister Gail Bewick, from the Lancashire Suite where David was treated, said: “This donation is absolutely wonderful and we are delighted that David and Helen have come back to the Unit to see us. We remember David very well; it

doesn’t seem like three years since he was in. The team are fantastic and all work really hard; we’re like a close family. We are thrilled that they have thought of the Lancashire Cardiac Centre and would like to thank them both and their guests for this kind donation.” PIC: L-R Kathy Ancell, Helen Benwell, Gail Bewick and David Benwell.

Notes to Editors: The Heart of Gold Charitable Fund is a division of Trust charity Blue Skies Hospitals Fund (registered charity number 1051570), and serves to provide the Lancashire Cardiac Centre with financial support to enhance patient care. The Lancashire Cardiac Centre provides heart and lung treatment for the people of Lancashire, South Cumbria and beyond, in facilities designed with patient focus in mind. The purpose-built £52m Centre, opened in 2006, provides high quality care from a talented multi-disciplinary team who offer a complete package of cardiology and cardiothoracic surgical centre. For more information on Trust charity Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, go to www.blueskieshospitalsfund.co.uk . For further information about this Press Release, please call Heather Eckton, Communications and Marketing Manager for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, on 01253 657903 or email heather.eckton@bfwh.nhs.uk Find us on: www.blueskieshospitalsfund.co.uk www.twitter.com/BlueSkiesFund www.facebook.com/BlueSkiesHospitalsFund