University of Leicester project at Glenfield Hospital receives vital boost
A UNIVERSITY of Leicester appeal to build a vital heart research unit at Glenfield Hospital has received support from local members of the Sikh community.
Construction has already started on the £12.6m state-of-the-art facility which will effectively double the size of the research space available for world-class cardiovascular research at the University which will benefit cardiac patients.
The University has committed over £8 million of its scarce capital resources to this major project and has launched an appeal to raise over £4m to complete and equip the building.
The University was presented with £4,000 in support of the Cardiovascular Research Centre (CRC) Appeal by the Sikh community following a collection at the recent Vaisakhi celebrations. The University will be able to use the Government’s match funding scheme to increase the value of this donation to £5,333.
Surinderpal Singh Rai, General Secretary of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in Leicester said: “The Sikh community are fully behind this fundraising appeal to help advance more world class heart research at the University. Improving understanding and treatment will help to improve the health of our community who suffer greatly from heart disease.”
Kal Sangra, a member of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara and leading member of the CRC Appeal Committee said: “The collection was conducted during the Vaisakhi procession and did much to raise awareness of this crucial local project amongst the Sikh community, as well as raising much needed funds. More activities are planned in support of this important appeal.”
Stephen O’Connor, Director of Development at the University, added: “We are delighted that members of the Sikh community are wholeheartedly supporting this appeal. Glenfield Hospital sees over 16,000 cardiac patients every year and University research is vital for improving the knowledge base for tackling disease.
“The University welcomes the support of all communities in Leicestershire in helping to achieve our bold new vision for Cardiovascular research.”
The Centre will comprise new laboratories, a Biobank capable of storing samples from up to 100,000 individuals, a Clinical Research Informatics Unit and a Data to Knowledge Unit which together will capture, code and translate anonymous patient data for research and will accommodate an advanced IT link between the University and the Hospital.
Work on the Centre is due for completion in early 2012.
For more information or to support the Appeal visit http://www2.le.ac.uk/alumni/crcappeal
