Michael Turner Visits The Foulis Ward
13/05/2010
Cystic fibrosis patients on the Foulis Ward at Royal Brompton Hospital played host to the new patron of the Simone Cowland Trust, Sunderland Football Club captain Michael Turner. The visit was Michael’s first opportunity to go along to the 34-bed unit since becoming our patron.
He chatted to both patients and staff about how the condition affects people’s lives. Among the patients he met was 21-year-old Lauren Judd, who put her allegiance to Arsenal to one side as she talked to Michael about her care and her regime of twice-daily physiotherapy.
Michael also spent some time with 30-year-old Richard Burbedge, who is currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Richard explained to Michael how staff on the Foulis Ward make a huge difference, saying: “Everyone on Foulis and the physiotherapists really do help me to stay positive. Being in hospital is difficult, but the care given to me here has been incredible. Foulis is a home-from-home for me at the moment, but it’s the attention given to small things, such as being able to use a laptop to keep in touch with family and friends, which has really helped.”
At the end of his visit, Michael said: “I’ve learnt so much today, and been inspired by everyone’s positive attitude and courage.”
Isaac Shomade, the charity’s committee head, said: “I’d like to thank the staff and the patients for taking the time to talk to Michael about their experiences. We are constantly overwhelmed by the support of staff, and the incredible spirit of the patients encourages us to keep up our efforts at the Simone Cowland Trust.”
