Evelina’s hospital patients join celebrities to raise charity cash for yearly BGC Charity Day
BY JAMES TWOMEY
james@slpmedia.co.uk
Three patients from a children’s hospital joined celebrities and city traders to raise money for good causes.
TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Ranj, and actor Blake Harrison, best known for his role in The Inbetweeners, were among the stars who joined brokers on the trading floor in London for the BGC Charity Day.
The event is hosted every year by global brokerage company BGC, to commemorate friends, colleagues and employees whose lives were lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Evelina London ambassadors Dr Ranj and Blake hit the phones with dozens of other famous faces to raise funds for charities, including Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Charities and their celebrity patrons take part in the trades by speaking with clients, and all the profits made go to charity.
Joining in the fun as part of Evelina London’s 150th birthday celebrations were three patients, Cruz, Evie and Arthur.
Two-year-old Evie Cox was diagnosed with multiple complex heart defects whilst still in the womb.
Evie underwent two open heart surgeries and multiple procedures before her second birthday to mend her heart.
She is now a happy, healthy and energetic little girl.
Evie’s mum, Jo, said: “It was really exciting to be part of BGC Charity Day.
“Evelina London means so much to us and getting involved on September 11 was another way of thanking staff for caring for our daughter Evie all of her life. Evie loves meeting new people so was really in her element.”
Five-year-old Cruz Brown has a rare kidney condition and has been an Evelina
London patient since the day he was born, visiting the hospital three times a week for dialysis.
His mum, Debbie, said: “Cruz refers to Evelina London as his hospital and is well known by lots of staff who make him feel at home.
“We were really excited for Cruz to feature on a special banner to mark Evelina London’s 150th anniversary which he helped its patron, The Duchess of Cambridge, to unveil.
We loved being part of the BGC charity day to raise funds for Evelina London and all those that have been there for Cruz every step of the way.”
Arthur has just had his first birthday and has spent over a quarter of his life so far at Evelina London with multiple respiratory problems.
Arthur’s dad, James, said: “Evelina London has been like a second home for us and they have treated us like family. Their care, equipment and facilities are amazing.
“Representing Evelina London at events like BGC Charity Day has a big place in our hearts, spreading awareness and raising money for such a great cause.”