John Byatt's Thailand Trek

20 March 2009

John Byatt's Thailand Trek to raise funds towards a helipad on the Addenbrooke's site

John Byatt, local cab driver and Tommy Cooper impersonator, took on the 10-day Golden Triangle Hill Tribe Trek and raised over £3,500 towards building a helipad on the Addenbrooke's campus.

To help raise the funds he entertained the passengers in his taxi with Tommy Cooper impersonations for a donation, and all donations were matched by taxi firm, Panther. In addition, the Saffron Walden Round Table Carnival Committee donated £1,000 to support John's fundraising efforts.

A helipad is part of the 2020 Vision for developing the campus where Addenbrooke's is based. There is currently no helipad on the Addenbrooke's campus; helicopters transporting critically ill or injured patients to the hospital land on the local golf course where the patient's journey continues by road. The helipad will reduce the patient's journey time by up to 20 minutes which could be crucial in saving life or minimising the effects of their condition. As Addenbrooke's progresses to becoming the main trauma centre for the eastern region a helipad will play a valuable part in the service we offer in collaboration with our partners in the emergency ambulance services.

John said of his trek: "It was quite a challenge but it was for a really good cause. All the money I have raised will go towards building a helipad in the grounds of Addenbrooke's Hospital which will cut down on response times. It will help save lives and it could be mine."