Giving heart back to City Hospital

17th Aug 2016

WANT to party with a rock’n’roll band of cardiologists, whilst raising money to help cardiology patients at Sandwell and City Hospitals? Well, now you can, thanks to talented Brummie musician Alan Johnson who has decided to organise a special rock’n’roll fundraiser for the Cardiology Department at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH).

 Alan Johnson (74) from Great Barr, was admitted to City Hospital Cardiology Unit last October, and ended up staying for three weeks. “When I was under the care of the Cardiology team, I was absolutely stunned by how dedicated they were to me. They made me feel easy and always explained what my treatment entailed. They really cheered me up during the time I was in the hospital, especially Dr Terri Millane and sisters Julie Muircroft and Laura Browne. They gave me great attention and I am so grateful to them,” he said.

“Now that I’m doing well, I thought I should do something to show them how appreciative I am for the help they gave me. As my background is in producing music, I thought a music show would be great as it is something I am used to organising. Above all, it will be a fun and meaningful night where everyone can enjoy great music and the money will be used to support the Cardiology Department.”

The music night is called “An evening of rock ’n’ roll featuring some of Birmingham’s rock ‘n’ roll stars. Giving Heart Back to City Hospital.” There will be four acts on the night, with appearances from Emitt Till, Steve Gibbons, Alan himself, and the Trust’s own cardiology band – The Tympaniks.

Dr Leong Lee, cardiology consultant and also one of the guitarists of the Tympaniks, said: “We are very grateful for Alan’s gesture. He is an admirable musician who has played and produced music with famous bands such as Jefferson Airplane, Black Sabbath and ELO. He is also famously known for teaching Jeff Lynne from ELO to play guitar! It is an honour to play music with him for such a good cause.

“For those who have not heard of our band, we are a group of healthcare professionals who work at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. We have an eclectic mixture of influences from indie and pop to classic and progressive rock. Whatever the audience’s taste in music, we will provide.

“We’re also excited that a few celebrities and musicians will be coming along to support the event. However, we’re keeping their names a closely guarded secret until the big night!

“We hope to use the money raised from the event for enhanced staff training or to invest in new equipment to improve patient care.”

The event will take place on the 10th September from 7.30pm at Birmingham Shooting Centre on All Saints Street. Tickets are now on sale for £10. All proceeds go directly to the Cardiology Department. Please contact Laura Browne or Alan Johnson for more information or to buy your tickets. Laura’s email is laurabrowne@nhs.net and her number 0121 507 5689. Alan’s number is 0121 360 7051 (Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm), or you can call the Birmingham Shooting Centre on Saturdays to buy your tickets (between 2-5pm) on 0121 523 7232.

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