Fundraising is heartfelt

A South Holland motorsport racer is raising money for a hospital where his partner underwent major heart surgery twice this year.

Ryan Sayer, of Fleet Hargate, is aiming to provide new radios for patients and staff at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital’s intensive care unit.
His partner Abbie Cook, (pictured with Ryan) was had two life-saving open-heart operations this year.
For every £10 raised, Ryan (28) will hike 1km and with the target of £1,000 already met, he will be walking 100 miles across the Peak District.
“It was the most challenging time we have ever experienced. The staff in intensive care are beyond unbelievable.
“They are there for a shoulder to cry on, unbelievably dedicated to their job and honestly just angels! They saved Abbie’s life more than once and that is something I cannot explain in words. She is an absolute warrior and has amazed a lot of people,” he said.
Abbie had planned open heart surgery in March when she had her aortic valve replaced and another major procedure, but there were complications.
“The team at Glenfield Hospital were amazing with Abbie’s care and support, enabling her to have a healthy recovery and be back at home within seven days,” said Ryan.
Unfortunately Abbie suffered chest pains and was readmitted for further surgery a few weeks ago.
“Again the team pulled it off and got Abbie out of the woods. I don’t know how many times I said thank you, but it just didn’t feel enough. Abbie recovered extremely well and you could see the happiness it gave the staff. They went above and beyond, as they do with every patient they have,” said Ryan.
“It was Abbie’s 33rd birthday and many nurses and doctors gathered around to sing Happy Birthday to her while she was in intensive care, which was just heartwarming.”
Staff told Ryan, who works for Duckworth Jaguar Land Rover, that radios for patients would be very welcome – and he also wants to add a gift bag for 200 staff members.
He will be joined on his trek in the summer by his sister Jody, Abbie’s cousin Jamie Taylor, stepdad Neville Mastin, friends Dan Upton, Holly Walker and Sharlotte Elizabeth.
His GoFundMe website donation page is called ‘Glenfield Hospital Intensive Care Unit’ and donations can still be made.
Ryan competes in the Production GTi Championship with his family racing team, driving a VW Golf, and took fourth place at his most recent event at Croft. The race report is on page 29 of this week’s paper.