As part of the campaign to raise £100,000 to help heart patients at Kettering General Hospital, the 50 Friends of Cardiac Care has been set up so individuals, businesses or groups can pledge to raise £1,000 for the appeal.

Those who sign up could be people who have been touched by heart disease or have a friend or loved one who has been affected.

Whatever the reason, people taking part can take pride in the knowledge they will be making a difference to the patients and families having life-saving treatment at the hospital's cardiac centre.

Major investment is going into the redevelopment of the hospital's coronary care unit in order to provide state-of-the-art facilities for patients with heart problems.

Money from the appeal will also be spent on providing a rehabilitation room, a relatives' quiet room, better monitoring systems and information portals which patients can use to get help and advice.

Several people have already signed up to become a Friend.

In one case, the money has been given on behalf of a woman who was one of the first social workers at Kettering General Hospital.

Maude Newman, of Derwent Crescent in Kettering, was appointed group lady almoner to the Kettering group of hospitals in 1956 and worked mostly on the medical and orthopaedic wards until her retirement in 1977.

When Mrs Newman died in February, the executors of her will felt it would be fitting if her contribution to the hospital continued by her becoming one of the 50 Friends of Cardiac Care.

Another of the 50 Friends is a heart patient who was treated at Kettering General Hospital.

Steve Thompson, of The Banks in Wellingborough, had a heart attack in 1997 but, following treatment, he was able to return home four days later.

The 61-year-old was a keen caver in his younger days and his heart attack prompted him to start doing the things he loved again.

Earlier this year, Mr Thompson abseiled down the Titan cave in the Peak District, raising just over £700 for the appeal.


Are you planning to get involved with the Have a Heart Take Part campaign? If so, let us know about your fundraising event by calling 01536 506161 or emailing monique.cleaver@northantsnews.co.uk.


He said: "The ambulance and hospital teams have given me more than 10 years of excellent life which I should not have had."

The Evening Telegraph has also signed up as one of the Cardiac Care Appeal's 50 Friends so watch this space for details of the fundraising events we will be organising in the coming months.

If you want to sign up to become a Friend of Cardiac Care, call the hospital fundraiser, Clare Coltman, on 01536 491375 or email fundraising@kgh.nhs.uk.