Naomi said of her decision to become an ambassador, "The RNOH has been in my life since I was young, as my dad used to be a patient and now my mum works in the Physio Department.  Having the opportunity to give something back to help with the fundraising efforts is very exciting for me; it was an honour to be asked."

Naomi, 29, who is visually impaired, has achieved remarkable athletic success. She began her sporting career at the age of 12 when she became a National Disabled Swimming Champion. She was introduced to rowing whilst attending the Royal National Institute for the Blind in Worcester but did not join the Great Britain para-rowing squad until 2004; just three months later she took her first gold medal at the World Championships, competing in the Legs, Trunks and Arms Mixed Four. She raced in the same boat class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning a bronze medal. Last year she went on to win a Gold Medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Naomi has already begun training for the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

Naomi agreed to become an Ambassador for the RNOH’s Redevelopment Appeal after visiting the children’s ward at the hospital in late 2012. The RNOH’s Head of Fundraising, Rosie Stolarski, said, "During her visit last October, Naomi inspired potential future athletes on the children’s ward by demonstrating that they can achieve great things whatever their ability. We’re thrilled that she has agreed to become an Appeal Ambassador, despite her busy schedule."
 

As well as becoming an official Ambassador for the Redevelopment Appeal, the Harry Potter stuntman also put his support behind the Trust’s recent planning application to Harrow Borough Council for a major overhaul of the site, which received the go-ahead in a council planning committee meeting last week.

David was delighted to offer his support to the Appeal, saying: “I spent several months at the RNOH after my accident, and the expertise and dedication of the hospital’s staff got me through that difficult time. I cannot praise the RNOH’s Spinal Cord Injury Centre enough – I had a hugely supportive medical team around me from the moment I arrived and was given fantastic support. The success of this much-needed appeal will help to ensure the hospital is able to continue providing such high quality care to those who need it.”

Holmes was injured on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which left him unlikely to walk again. Rosie Stolarski, the RNOH Charity’s Head of Fundraising, praised his determination to help the cause, “Modernising our hospital facilities is vital if we are to continue to improve the way we treat patients and accommodate visitors. We’re incredibly grateful for David’s support and delighted that the redevelopment has been approved.”

Grylls’ show of support follows the Trust’s recent application to Harrow Borough Council for a complete overhaul of the site, which will see the site transformed to meet the needs of patients in the 21st century. A decision is expected on the 21st March.

Grylls commented: “I fully support the RNOH and I know there is a pressing need for this redevelopment to go ahead. As someone who has experienced extensive rehabilitation throughout my life, following a serious back injury, I know how important it is for care to be delivered in a comfortable and supportive environment. I’m determined to help raise awareness of this much-needed redevelopment, so that the RNOH can continue to deliver high quality care to patients. If, like me, you support these plans then I would urge you to get behind this campaign.”

Grylls is also an official Ambassador of the RNOH Charity Redevelopment Appeal which aims to raise £15 million for state-of-the-art equipment and new facilities, such as a new family accommodation unit (Princess Eugenie House), enhanced imaging equipment and a modern and welcoming children’s unit.

Phil said: “I know first-hand the importance of the vital support and care that the hospital provides. I do hope that the local community will back this much-needed redevelopment and urge fellow patients as well as their families, friends and all those whose lives have been touched by the RNOH, to do all they can to support the Appeal.

"Being an Ambassador for the RNOH Charity’s Redevelopment Appeal gives me great pride. My surgery and rehabilitation took place over five months at the RNOH. The professionalism of the staff and the quality of care were integral to my rehabilitation and comfort. I am indebted to my surgeon, medical team and my consultant, Dr Angela Gall, for supporting me every step of the way. Through their unswerving dedication, they have given me the opportunity to live my life to the full. It’s an honour for me to support this vital cause.”

Despite being told after his injury that he might never walk again, Phil has completed amazing physical challenges to raise money - over £1.5 million - for charitable causes, including rowing the English Channel, walking the London Marathon over 14 days, and climbing El Capitan over 4 days (4250 pull-ups). Last year he completed his toughest challenge; walking 2012 miles (the equivalent of 310 marathon distances in 331 days) throughout every county of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to raise awareness of his charity, The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), and meeting young people, many of who have endured trauma and adversity. 

Rosie Stolarski, the RNOH Charity’s Head of Fundraising, commented: “We are delighted that Phil has pledged his support to our campaign. He is a true inspiration to us all, so we are thrilled that he shares our vision for the hospital redevelopment, which will help to dramatically improve the facilities available to patients and visitors.” 

“Trawling the streets with our buckets in hand, dressed in ensembles created by Mr and Mrs Claus themselves, we headed out to raise much needed money for the RNOH’s Redevelopment Appeal.

“The ExactTarget culture of giving back and making a difference is the message behind all of our fundraising events, and we chose the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital as our charity this year as its outpatient site is situated at the top of the site of our offices in Great Titchfield Street. Also, my daughter was an inpatient at Stanmore when she was almost 2 to correct her hip dysplasia, and we still visit Mr Calder at Bolsover Street, so I was very happy to organise an event to give right back where it is needed.

“Participants were asked to contribute whilst we also set about encouraging people to dig deep in their pockets. All in all we have raised approximately £350… and are all very proud!”

Our warmest thanks to Tara and all her fellow Father Christmases for their fundraising efforts. 

Princess Eugenie, who was treated at the RNOH, participated in various Christmas-related activities with the children. She also used the visit to speak with patients who are unable to leave their bedsides and will be spending Christmas on the ward. 

Princess Eugenie said: “It was a delight to return to the hospital and spend time with these brave children and help them forget what they’re going through, especially at Christmas when you just want to be excited about toys, chocolate and Santa.

“I’m living proof of the way the RNOH can change people’s lives, which is why I offered my support for the Redevelopment Appeal.” 

Lead nurse, Clare Kehoe, said: “The arrival of Princess Eugenie caused lots of excitement in the children’s ward - the impact the Princess has had today really has lifted the children’s spirits. This time of year is always challenging for our young patients and their families, which is why we went that extra mile to secure an extra special visitor for Christmas.” 

I decided to do my run for RNOH Charity as the hospital helped my Grandad, Michael, when he experienced a life-threatening fall in 2009. The hospital helped him recover, and be in the position that he is in today. My Grandad constantly raves about how all the staff are 'marvellous', and so this is my chance to say thank you from the Carroll family. 

I am very lucky that I have been able to rely upon my friends, family, and colleagues to support me on my quest to raise money. They have all given generously and have really helped me to reach my target - I had to raise my target amount three times!!

To anyone else considering doing a similar event in aid of the RNOH Charity, I would say...YOU CAN DO IT!! I honestly didn't think that I would be able to complete the race, but the crowd, the other runners, my family, my friends… everyone supported me and gave me the strength to complete it. I would say, think positively and you will definitely be able to complete it - just keep going! I really do believe that your frame of mind helps you to complete an endurance race...a 'can do' mentality is so important to have, otherwise you are destined to fail. Doing the marathon was such a memorable day, and there is no feeling like the one I experienced at the finish line.

I would definitely consider raising money for the RNOH Charity again. It really is a fabulous charity and if my Grandad (pictured, right) didn't have the support he had, then he may not be in the position he’s in today. I’d recommend to anyone that they support the charity, and I hope to do so for many years to come.

Morton was appointed a non-executive director to the RNOH NHS Trust Board in December 1999 and contributed significantly to risk management issues within the Trust. He also served as the Chair of the Fundraising Committee and of the RNOH Fundraising Development Council for the Redevelopment of the RNOH. He became a Trustee to the RNOH Charity in November 2002 and was appointed as its Chairman in August 2008. 

Morton’s breadth of fundraising knowledge proved invaluable during the RNOH Charity’s formative years – his vocal and heartfelt support of the charity enabled it to increase significantly in both size and profile.

Morton was extremely popular with everyone at the hospital; he will be greatly missed.

“My friends and I undertook the Three Peaks challenge in memory of our friend Ben, who passed away in a car crash over the Easter holiday in 2011. We had been looking for something to do in his memory since then. When we found out about the Three Peaks Challenge it seemed like something we would all be capable of pushing ourselves into completing. We then decided we could try and raise money for a charity and asked Ben's parents and sister if they had one they would prefer. Ben's little sister Hannah is helped by the RNOH, receiving regular treatment, and this was the charity the family selected.

I myself play quite a lot of sport and David and Luke have previously climbed Kilimanjaro in 2010; Josh is a scout leader, and Arran is fairly fit too, so we went into the challenge without having done a lot of training. This is something I would recommend that any other people looking to complete the Three Peaks Challenge for the RNOH do not copy! The challenge is a lot tougher, both physically and mentally, than any of us believed it could be.

One other piece of advice I would offer is to get your timings correct - we started Ben Nevis when there had already been 4 hours of daylight and ended up climbing the whole of Scafell Pike, the 2nd mountain, entirely in the dark. I would definitely recommend the experience to others, the feeling of achievement standing on top the final mountain is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life."

About being a figurehead for the Appeal, Bear said: "I’m so proud to be an Ambassador for the RNOH’s Redevelopment Appeal. As someone who spent just under a year undergoing rehabilitation after a serious back injury, I know from first hand experience the importance of such care.

"Watch this and you'll get it - together we can help change lives: http://www.rnohcharity.org/the-appeal/the-appeal-film. I am so determined to support those who most need our help. The RNOH Appeal is an incredible way to help heal many brave people."

Rosie Stolarski, the RNOH Charity’s Head of Fundraising, said that the news about Bear’s involvement with the Appeal had been greeted with excitement by everyone at the hospital: “We’re thrilled to have Bear on board. He is, of course, a huge name all around the world, and his support represents a major boost for the RNOH’s campaign to raise £15 million by 2016.”

"It was an amazing day and really inspiring to see so many people taking part - patients, family and friends alike. It’s an incredible cause and I was honoured to be a part of it."

Rosie Stolarski, the head of fundraising, said that she and everyone else who helped on the day received extremely positive feedback from entrants.

“Everyone got into the spirit of the day - despite the occasional downpour,” she said. “Between them our walkers have raised in excess of £40,000, which is a fantastic achievement - by far our highest total ever. This money will have an enormous impact here at the RNOH.

“Patients return year after year to attend the walk, and it is always so encouraging to see how many of them have progressed following their treatment at the hospital.

“We are very grateful to Max Milner for stepping in at very short notice to officially open the Walk and draw the raffle. His attendance was warmly welcomed by a lot of young fans.”

The event, which centred around the one mile walk, included a number of activities such as a climbing wall, bouncy castle, beat the goalie and pony rides. It culminated with Max Milner drawing the raffle, where the lucky winners were awarded with prizes such as an Aston Martin driving experience, Ridgeback mountain bike and River Thames lunch cruise for two.

The Queen’s granddaughter undertook a 65 mile overnight bike ride around London in aid of the Appeal. All the funds raised will go towards Princess Eugenie House, an accommodation unit for the families of children being treated at the RNOH.

Rosie Stolarski, the hospital's head of fundraising, praised Princess Eugenie for dedicating her time to raising money for the Appeal, particularly during a very busy period of finishing university and attending Royal engagements during the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

“The Princess’s support for the Appeal is particularly pertinent as our patients can really relate to her given the treatment she received at the hospital,” she said. “The Princess’s donation means that we have now raised just over £2.2 million of the £5 million needed to build Princess Eugenie House and Graham Hill House.”

Speaking ahead of the bike ride, Princess Eugenie said: “The RNOH Redevelopment Appeal is very important to me, as I had an operation at the hospital in 2002. I want to play a part in developing better facilities for its patients and staff; their work transforms lives and the Appeal will help provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment worthy of the hospital's dedicated professionals and give the 90,000 men, women and children who are patients every year the very best in available treatments and rehabilitation. I would really appreciate your support in helping me raise money for this important cause.”

Please click here for further information about the RNOH’s Redevelopment Appeal.

photo: Timothy Rooke

“It's a great idea, a great charity and one I am very proud to be involved with,” he said. “I hope everyone has a wonderful time!"

Rosie Stolarski, head of fundraising, said, having Jaz as their guest of honour is a privilege. “We are very thankful to Jaz for supporting this really important event, which sees all funds raised going directly towards improving facilities and patient care,” she said.

“Hundreds of patients, their families, and members of the public participate in the event every year, and I hope that Jaz’s appearance will generate even more interest. We aim to mark the Walk’s tenth anniversary by making it bigger and better than ever before; we'll be providing a great range of attractions and entertainments, including a leading jazz band, a dance group from the local community, a wide range of stalls, a climbing tower and various children’s rides.”

Please visit our Buttercup Walk page for extensive information about the event, and an online entry form and downloadable sponsorship form. Should you have any queries about the Walk, please do contact the Fundraising Office.

Nightrider is a sponsored cycle ride with a difference - participants take to their bikes at 11 p.m. and spend the night cycling 100km through London, taking in a great many of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Princess Eugenie said: “The RNOH Redevelopment Appeal is very important to me, as I had an operation at the hospital in 2002. I want to play a part in developing better facilities for its patients and staff; their work transforms lives, and the Appeal will help provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment worthy of the hospital's dedicated professionals and give the 90,000 men, women and children who are patients every year the very best in available treatments and rehabilitation. I would really appreciate your support in helping me raise money for this important cause.”

If you would like to sponsor Princess Eugenie, you can do so via her fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EugenieYork

100% of your donation will go directly to the RNOH Charity.

Princess Eugenie is embarking on a new role as Patron of a charitable appeal to raise £15 million for the world-class, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), which saved her from a disfiguring back condition, it was announced yesterday (Thursday).

Speaking at the official launch of the RNOH Redevelopment Appeal, Princess Eugenie said she was delighted and proud to accept the patronage, her first, following a successful operation to treat scoliosis at the hospital when she was 12.

“I am living proof that the hospital can and does transform lives. Without the care I received at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital I wouldn’t look the way I do now; my back would be hunched over,” she told guests, including racing driver Damon Hill OBE at the St. James’s Palace launch.

As patron of the RNOH Redevelopment Appeal, Princess Eugenie said she hoped to become a role model for fellow sufferers undergoing treatment for scoliosis, which causes curvature of the spine, and support efforts to provide facilities and equipment benefitting the hospital’s reputation as one of three leading specialist centres in the world.

One of the fundraising priorities is to build an accommodation unit for the families of children being treated at the hospital which will be named Princess Eugenie House.

“I am particularly proud to lend my name to this project as I have seen how important family support is for children undergoing prolonged and often traumatic treatment for life-threatening conditions like bone cancer,” said Princess Eugenie, who is in her final year of an English Literature, history of art and politics degree course at Newcastle University.

HRH the Duke of York, Patron of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, joined his daughter in supporting the redevelopment appeal, praising the expertise of surgeons and hospital staff who currently work in a series of 100 year old buildings and a collection of Portakabins and Nissen huts on the Stanmore site in Middlesex.

The RNOH has secured funding for a new and basic NHS hospital on the site. The Redevelopment Appeal is tasked with equipping it with the very latest equipment – including two £1 million MRI suites – with additional facilities like The Graham Hill House for the rehabilitation of patients with spinal injuries.

The combined cost of Princess Eugenie House and The Graham Hill House is estimated at £5 million.

Chairman of the RNOH Redevelopment Appeal, Mr. Mike Thompson, OBE, who is Chief Executive of leading UK childcare provider, The Childbase Partnership, said:

“It is impossible to remain unmoved by patient stories of lives transformed by the hospital; or to ignore what might be possible if its dedicated professionals were given the right facilities and equipment to continue and develop their pioneering work. With this appeal we have the opportunity to make a real difference to thousands of lives.”

The Machame route is a less-used route up Kilimanjaro and camping gives you a feeling of wilderness with great views of the mountain and surrounding scenery as you ascend, passing through forest, moorland and up to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. Upon reaching the summit, most people are experiencing some form of altitude sickness but the sense of achievement is well worth it! I was fundraising for the RNOH, because my colleague, Sammy Eldridge, underwent treatment there for cancer."

The donated wheelchairs are a welcome addition to the hospital’s existing supply, and in particular will benefit teenagers that have to be placed in lower limb plasters. They allow the child to be mobile for their post-operative period, which makes a positive difference to their recovery. 10-year-old Emily Bauer (pictured) had an external fixator applied to her right foot and ankle to correct club foot. This will stay on for six months to correct the problem. She has limited mobility and will be using the wheelchair to get back to school.