The fundraising efforts of a father who is cycling from Bristol to Paris to raise funds for 3D ultrasound technology for the Children’s Hospital have been supported by commercial property specialist Colliers International.
Andy Venn signed up for the 430km ride for the charity Above and Beyond to show his gratitude to staff who helped to save the life of his son Joe, 12, who required years of hospital treatment after being born with only three working chambers in his heart instead of four, and was first operated on when he was just 72 hours old.
The scanner will provide new ultrasound technology for Bristol Children’s Hospital, which will be used in the treatment of children such as Joe who are born with complex heart conditions requiring life-saving surgery.
Joe, a pupil at Broadoak Mathematical College in Weston-super-Mare accompanied Andy when he visited the Bristol office of Colliers International on Templeback to be presented with a cheque for £250 by Head of Office Tim Davies, accompanied by director Nick Turk.
Tim Davies said: “The Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge to raise funds for Above and Beyond is a very worthy fundraising event, and we’re delighted to contribute towards ensuring the best possible equipment is available for children such as Joe when they receive treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Bristol.”
Andy, who is Acting Head of Willowdown Primary Academy in Bridgwater, said of the four day charity cycle ride by 80 people from April 29th to May 2nd, which aims to raise £150,000: “Above and Beyond do exactly what they say on the tin: they provide equipment that is ‘Above and Beyond’ that normally supplied by the National Health Service. The standard equipment is good and fit for purpose, but the ability to get cutting edge equipment – in this case a 3D scanner – allows the surgeons and doctors to make even more informed decisions.”
Andy added that Joe had enjoyed his trip to the Bristol office of Colliers International. He said: “Joe thought that the building was a spy headquarters as it was so sleek, clean and quiet, and he said of it that ‘it’s a normal building on the outside, but inside it’s all gadgets and spies. It’s a great disguise’.
“Joe was also pleased to accept the cheque (which is on his wall) on behalf of Above & Beyond as he knows that the money will not only go to equipment that will help him in the future when he has further treatment, but also hundreds of other children each year.
Andy explained that the Bristol office of Colliers International got involved in fundraising for Above and Beyond because his brother-in-law, Richard Crook, is the company’s head of marketing, communications and business development.
“Richard has known Joe all his life, followed his challenges and his successes and wanted to support. As Colliers has an office in Bristol, he thought this office, rather than the London office, would be the one to support the local charity,” said Andy, who is married to Clair and has an elder daughter Emily, aged 14.
