Everest challenge helps fund heart scanner

Children across County Durham and Darlington are set to benefit from faster access to specialist heart scans following a £60,000 equipment donation.

Red Sky Foundation has funded a “much-needed” paediatric echocardiography machine for Darlington Memorial Hospital to support children’s cardiac services and help reduce waiting times for young patients.

The equipment will allow clinical teams to carry out detailed heart scans for babies and children more efficiently, supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Echocardiography is a non-invasive scan used to identify potential heart issues and ensure patients receive the right care as quickly as possible.

Dr Sergio Petrucci (Hon.) MBE, chief executive and founder of Red Sky Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to fund this much-needed echo heart machine for the paediatric department at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

“Early diagnosis is absolutely vital when it comes to heart conditions, and this equipment will make a real difference to children and families across the region.”

The donation was supported by a major fundraising effort, including a group of Red Sky Foundation supporters who travelled to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the appeal.

Participants covered the cost of the expedition themselves, ensuring every donation went directly towards supporting people living with heart conditions.

Dr Petrucci added: “This simply would not have been possible without our amazing Everest trekkers, whose commitment, determination and passion to help others has been nothing short of inspirational. 

“Their challenge will leave a lasting legacy for so many families.”

The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between Red Sky Foundation and the hospital trust, while improving access to vital diagnostics for children, families and clinical teams across the region.

Rich Jones, CDDFT charity manager, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Red Sky Foundation, and everyone involved in supporting this appeal. 

“This new paediatric echo machine will make a real difference for children and families across our communities by helping reduce waiting times and improving access to specialist cardiac diagnostics.”

Lauren Faye, general manager paediatrics and neonates, added: “We look forward to continuing to work together and supporting one another in the future to make a lasting difference for children and families.”

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