Lee’s special gift to recognise a special relationship
Lee Ward’s connection with Guy’s and St Thomas’ goes back to his early childhood when he was first treated at Guy’s as a baby. His relationship with the hospital has remained strong throughout his life.
Lee Ward, longtime supporter of Guy's and St Thomas'
He says he attributes being the person he is today to the care he’s received and therefore, to show his appreciation, he’s decided to leave a gift to Guy’s and St Thomas’ in his will.
Lee’s story
Lee was born with complete renal failure. Aged just one week old, he was admitted to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, which was then located at Guy’s. He was looked after there for many years and has fond recollections of his experiences.
‘I still have vivid memories of waiting for my turn on the rocking horse in outpatients!’ recalls Lee. ‘As an inpatient, I remember taking part in a pancake race with my mum against other patients. I also loved going to the ‘school’ they had on the ward, which was located next to the ward kitchen.
‘I had huge affection for two members of staff as a child. Professor Robinson - I can’t remember what department he was in - and Dr Reid from the children’s renal department, who still works at Evelina London (which is now located next to St Thomas’ Hospital).’
Lee’s treatment continued at Guy’s Hospital as an adult and he still visits once a year for check-ups. He says that not only have the staff helped him to heal physically, but the effect on his mental health has also been extremely important.
‘I am certain that without the help of Guy’s and St Thomas’ and my family, I would not be able to do the job I do today,’ says Lee. ‘The hospital has given me much more than medical help.
‘They always strived to do their best for me so that I can have the best life possible. So in part, I have the fantastic Guy’s and St Thomas’ team to thank for letting me follow my dream career in the civil service.’
Giving his time and donations
For many years now, Lee has given up his time to be a volunteer for Guy’s and St Thomas’ fundraising team. From marshalling at running events to shaking collection tins, Lee’s dedication is phenomenal.
And now, in an incredibly generous act, he’s decided to leave a gift in his will to the hospitals.
‘I would not be the person I am today if it was not for Guy’s and St Thomas’,’ says Lee. ‘I hope that when I pass away, my gift will help others receive the same great care that I have had since I was a baby and continue to receive today.
‘This is also why I find it important to help the fundraising team, as they’re just small ways through which I can thank everyone for making me who I am.’
Lee’s decision to leave a gift in his will to Guy’s and St Thomas’ will help make a difference to staff and patients for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more, this Free Wills Month you can find out about our special Free Wills Service and how that could get you started towards planning your will, with no obligation at all to give.
Please note, unfortunately, we are unable to take any telephone calls or process any donations by telephone for the immediate and foreseeable future. You can still donate by credit/debit card and/or make a regular gift by Direct Debit. You can also send a cheque too. Thank you very much for your support. We hugely appreciate it.
Go Online through ourdonation page, make a one-off payment or set up a monthly direct debit.
Or by bank transfer, please contact our Supporter Care team via email info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can provide the relevant details.
If you would like to send a donation by cheque, please make this payable to Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Charity.
If you can include a covering letter with your contact details as well as reasons for donations and what you would like it to be put towards, we will write to you and let you know when the donation has been received.
Please send the cheque to this address:
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Fundraising Team
Fundraising Team
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway, 2nd Floor
London
Can you claim Gift Aid on my donation?
Your donations are only eligible for Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer and we have a record of your postcode and donation amount. You must also tick the Gift Aid box on our sponsorship forms (Virgin Money Giving / Just Giving) and donation page.
Please note that we are unable to claim Gift Aid on ticket sales, raffle sales, corporate sponsorship, and sale of goods or auction proceeds.
Can I donate to a specific ward/department within the hospital?
If you would like to help a specific ward or department, we will do our best to find the most appropriate fund for your donation to go towards.
Please note that once a donation has been allocated to a specific fund, we are unable to change this at a later date.
Contact us via email at info@supportgstt.org.uk. Please note that once a donation has been allocated to a specific fund, we are unable to change this at a later date.
If you would like to discuss this more over the phone and find out how we can help, please email our Supporter Care Team at info@supportgstt.org.uk.
What is your charity number?
Guy's and St Thomas' Charity. Registered Charity No. 1160316.
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 9341980.
Evelina London Children's Hospital is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
What happens to my personal details?
All the personal information about our supporters we collect is processed and stored in accordance with GDPR 2018, and all other applicable data protection laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations (PECR).
If you need a new tin, collection bucket or security seal sticker, then please let us know by contacting us via email at info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can send a replacement out to you. Please note, we currently have limited stock on some items, and there may be some delays with deliveries.
How can I volunteer?
Fundraising volunteers are vital to our work at Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital Charity. You can volunteer with us on events, awareness days, in general or even work with the Fundraising Team.
All our opportunities support our fundraising work and activities, we do not organise volunteering within the hospital. If this is what you are interested in please visit the Guy’s and St Thomas' volunteering page.
Policy for returning donations
We work hard to ensure you have the best supporter journey when you make a donation. Unfortunately, under charity law (The Charities Act 2011) we are unable to refund donations, other than in specific circumstances.
If you believe that a donation you have made should be refunded, then please email info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can advise on what we can do.
Well done Tony, you are a truely amazing little soul!
Tony! What an inspiration you are, so young, so brave and doing incredible things. Keep going and well done for absolutely smashing your target; it is going to an amazing cause and we love watching your journey. You can do it! X x
Dear Tony, what a beautiful, special, precious little boy you are. You are very brave and strong. You are an inspiration to us all. I hope your legs feel good and help you take on your challenge. You can do it!!👍🥰 I've donated because you made me so proud. Lots of love always Jude xxx
You are such an amazing superhero! Keep up the wonderful things you are doing!😀👍🚑🏃
Well done Tony on your 10km walk. We followed your progress. You are a brave little boy. We wish you well! Love xx
You are amazing and an inspiration to everyone - there's nothing you can't do or achieve in this life! Thank you so much
Caroline and Sarah, at The Cardiology Kids launch party in the park
George with his family
Thank you for everything you are doing. So proud of our NHS - heroes don’t all wear capes! Thank you for everything you do for us all and keep as safe as you can all of you. xx
You are all heroes and should be proud of yourselves as we are of you. No words of thanks can ever express the debt of gratitude.
You have looked after my daughter with such care, too which I am eternally grateful. Thank you.
I had my cancer treatment there, undoubtedly saved my life. Thank you.
I was born at Guy's hospital in 1974, and was treated in St Thomas' in 2003, where I was seriously ill for 13 weeks. Thank you for not only giving me life, but saving it too! X
Guy's and St Thomas' have looked after me so well over many years. Thank you for all those years and for everything you are doing in an unimaginably difficult time. Thinking of you and your families at this time. x
You saved my life when I had cancer. Thank you for then and thank you for now. x
The NHS saved my wife’s life 3 times. We love the nurses, doctors, specialists, secretaries - everyone. You are heroes. Sending hope and love.
You are all amazing and will be remembered in history. Stay strong.
Thank you isn’t enough, so a thousand times more.
You are all amazing and do an incredible job. Filled with gratitude and heartfelt thanks.
You are all phenomenal. Thank you so much.
Wishing you well during this crisis. You are all heroes and deserve the support of the whole nation.
From one nurse to all the others all over the world fighting Covid-19 and all the health professionals, I know this word and term is overused but this time it is a real meaning in the truest form of the word: You are all LEGENDS!
How can we ever repay you for what you are doing for us? Thinking of you all. The NHS means everything. Make sure you're looking after your own wellbeing as much as possible. Take care x
You are all genuine heroes. Each and every one of you!
You are all wonderful, heroic people. You save lives every day and you really, really make a difference. We salute you and send big hugs to keep you going. xx