19 December 2008
Dragons' Den judge Theo Paphitis, publicist Max Clifford and the architect of the O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome), Lord Rogers, attended a special event at the House of Lords recently to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South West Thames Institute for Renal Research. The Institute, which focuses on improving the detection of renal disease, is part of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The ceremony was also attended by a number of doctors, nurses and patients from the Trust, as well as MPs, peers and other dignitaries.
Medical Director Dr Jonathan Kwan, who assisted in establishing the St Helier based Institute, hailed it as a major success: "As well as celebrating the birthday of the Institute, the event helped to raise the profile of kidney disease and the need for research to help find new ways to treat the condition."
During the evening, a silent auction took place where guests were able to bid for artwork. The auction, together with other donations, raised over £40,000.
Consultant kidney specialist, Dr Michael Bending, also assisted in setting up the Institute. He said: "We are so grateful for the support we received from so many guests, friends and colleagues who attended the event. The success of which was beyond our expectation."
