Meet a Herbert Smith fundraiser

Geeta Patel works in the business development department for Herbert Smith LLP - one of our current corporate partners.

Geeta is one of three employees who embarked on the 2009 Hadrian’s Wall Hike in June.

How did you get involved with the charity?

Whilst on maternity leave, my colleague Hannah informed me that Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity had been chosen as Herbert Smith’s charity of the year for 2009, as she knew of my close connection to the hospital.  Hannah and Rianna were going to do the trek and they wanted to know if I was willing to join the team, I said yes without hesitation.

My daughter, Shona-Jasmine, was born on the 3 July 2008 with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

She was taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital to be put on an ECMO machine, one of only three in the country. The ECMO machine is needed for children with very severe lung disease not responding to the usual treatment of mechanical ventilation, medicines and extra oxygen. 

We knew that if Great Ormond Street Hospital couldn’t help her then no one could, so it was a very difficult time for all of us. The hospital was amazing at providing us with everything we needed and we didn’t have to think about a thing, so that we could focus all efforts on our daughter getting better.

We were given accommodation, food vouchers and parking permits and counseling was offered if we felt we needed it. The staff were incredibly supportive and we were given consultants' phone numbers if we were worried about anything or had any questions. We couldn’t fault a thing.

What made you decide to sign up for this year's Hadrian’s Wall challenge?  

Ever since Shona-Jasmine was treated at the hospital I have wanted to do something to thank Great Ormond Street Hospital for everything they did. By taking part in this trek and fundraising to the best of our ability, I believe I am helping to give back to the hospital, as a thank you for saving my daughter.

What was your biggest challenge?

Beating our fundraising target! We have raised just short of £4,000 to date, which is fantastic, and well above our initial target. Everyone has been very supportive as they know about both the work of the hospital and my personal experience of what they did for my daughter.

What do you like most about being a fundraiser?

Knowing that the money is going to such a great cause and that every penny is making a difference. Even if our fundraising amount is only benefiting one child – it is worth it.

What is your secret fundraising tip to share?

My husband, Suresh! He has been championing the event with everyone he knows and asking them to make a donation, however small. He is my background worker and is the driving force behind the team's fundraising.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about supporting the charity?

Do it! The dedication of the hospital staff, the hours they put in and the passion are incredible and you really do feel like you are in safe hands. The staff are an inspiration, and while the NHS funds the day to day running of the hospital, the charity is what makes the whole experience as bearable as possible, providing all the things you need when you cannot think about anything apart from your child getting better.

I recently took my daughter back to the hospital for the annual ECMO party, where recovered children are invited back to the hospital for a celebration. The effort from staff continues even after treatment as they are keen to find out how the children are getting on. It is great for the staff to see just what a difference they are making and it means a lot that they care about the progress of all the children since the treatment.

What's the silliest thing you've ever done for charity?

Probably signing up for this years’ Hadrian’s Wall Hike!

To sponsor Geeta and her team please visit their Justgiving fundraising page.

Find out more about our wide range of fundraising challenge events such as Trek Kilimanjaro, Royal Parks Half Marathon and skydives throughout the year.