St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington is close to Jikoni, and the ward, which treated over 500 children last year across the UK, is dedicated to the treatment of children who suffer from rare blood disorders which require bone marrow transplant or regular blood transfusions, such as Sickle Cell Disease and Beta-Thalassaemia. It is a place where the children of dear colleagues and friends of Ravinder’s have spent significant periods of time as in-patients in isolation. Money raised will support several redevelopment projects and patient experience programmes within the ward, including play and sensory equipment and art and music therapy, to help alleviate the oppressiveness of being unable to leave a hospital ward. 

Imperial Health Charity Chief Executive Ian Lush OBE goes on to say: “Through the fund we can provide extra support for young people receiving care and treatment for a range of life-threatening injuries, illnesses and conditions at St Mary’s Hospital, including children’s cancers and bone marrow transplants. We’re really grateful to Ravinder, the team at Jikoni and everyone attending the event for supporting this work and helping us give every child the best possible experience at St Mary’s Hospital.”

“My two editors and dear friends Mina and Al coincidentally both have young children who suffer from Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, an extremely rare blood disorder which affects only around 100 patients in the UK. It means they have needed blood transfusions every three weeks since birth. I am in awe of their resilience and their brave children. This year, Mina’s daughter Vida had a bone marrow transplant, and having spoken to her about the challenges faced by children and parents on the ward, I knew I wanted to do anything I could to help. Our fundraisers at Jikoni always give back to our local community and St Mary’s is a vital part of it.”  Ravinder Bhogal