The statement below was presented at the Hearts & Souls AGM held on 25th August 2023
Chairman’s Statement:
It is with great sadness that I start by reporting the death last month of our Chairman, Steve Wildman. Steve has been a passionate supporter of Hearts & Souls since having a heart by-pass operation at Wycombe Hospital in 2013 and experiencing the excellent work of the rehabilitation team in Ward 4A.
Soon after his recovery he attended an AGM of our charity when all of the longstanding trustees announced their retirement. Steve agreed to help and gathered others to form a team to continue Hearts & Souls’ fine work of contributing funds to support the excellent rehab programme. It is now over 25 years since the charity was formed. Steve’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Viv Wildman and their family.
As reported by Steve in recent years we have been waiting for normality to return since the Covid pandemic impacted so heavily on all departments in the NHS. We continue to have discussions with NHS management on how Hearts & Souls can contribute to help maintain the excellent service they offer residents of Buckinghamshire in coronary rehabilitation.
The year to December 2022 saw very little activity in our charity, but financially we are in a strong position and are expecting to agree some use for the funds which we are ready to meet. We do not propose restarting major fundraising activities until we know and have clarity on the shape of the support we can provide. But our funds continue to grow due to the ongoing generosity of individuals and companies, for which we are most grateful.
We are still confident that 2023 should be the year when post pandemic clarity is evident and the future activities of Hearts & Souls can be planned. If you could offer some time and expertise to assist on our committee then please let me know.
Peter Jemmett
August 2023
