Raising money in a HeARTbeat

Jacquelyn Erskine, nurses’ secretary and chaperone at the Medical Specialist Group, has organised a “HeARTbeat Exhibition” to raise funds and awareness for Heartbeat House, a facility for people with loved ones on the cardiac wards at Southampton University Hospital.

The exhibition, which is supported by a £500 grant from the MSG, is at the George Crossan gallery in St Peter Port and is open from 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Saturday until 27 April.

More than 60 local artists, and some UK artists, have donated pieces for the exhibition which could raise more than £15,000. A full list of the 110 pieces on sale is here – 28 of them sold on the opening night!

Heartbeat House is a 25-bedroom “home from home” next to the hospital, sleeping up to 35 people ,and is available to anyone whose relative is an in-patient in the Wessex Cardiac Unit.

Jacqui says, 'I had the good fortune of staying there while my partner Mark had a quadruple bypass surgery earlier this year. It was a blessing to have somewhere with a home from home atmosphere where I was able to share my concerns with others in the same situation.

'The house is a stone’s throw from Southampton hospital. It’s very affordable, they ask for £35.00 key deposit (with the option to donate more if you can) and you can stay as long as you need. The staff go above and beyond to support you while you’re there.

‘Some of our colleagues have donated so big thanks to Kath McClean, Annie Inderwick, Micky Le Flock’s daughter, Vani Ramalingam and Vanessa Netherton.’

‘Most of all spread the word to your friends and family, we never know what’s around the corner and places like Heartbeat House make challenging life events that little bit more manageable.’