Stourbridge Golf Club swings into action for Birmingham Children's Hospital cause

Bob Grindley has pledged to take a swing at fundraising for the cause, as a way to say thank you to the hospital’s cardiac unit.

For the next two years, Bob and other members of the club will raise funds for the charity, all in a bid to give something back to the hospital that holds a special place in his heart.

The father-of-two, whose children are now grown-up and enjoying full and active lives, said he cannot thank the hospital and its doctors enough, adding: “I am incredibly lucky that both of my children have overcome serious heart conditions thanks to the doctors at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

Bob’s daughter Donna, now 31, was admitted to the hospital at 12-months old after being born with a hole in her heart and then an unusual sound in his son Russell’s heartbeat was identified as a leaking aortic valve when he was 16-years-old.

Hearing that Russell, now 33, also had a heart defect was a huge shock to 62-year-old, who said: “You can imagine our reaction. None of our family had ever suffered from anything associated with the conditions of our two children.

“With an estimated three million to one chance of this happening, our family is certainly unique “My wife Berni and I are extremely grateful for everything that the children’s hospital has done for our family and so after I was chosen as captain I knew I wanted the charity to get my support.”

Nancy Lillington, regional fundraiser at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “It is always so humbling to hear that our hospital has had such an impact on a family that they have been inspired to fundraise. We are delighted to hear that Russell and Donna are both doing so well.

“The money Bob hopes to raise over the next two years will make a huge difference to the brave children and families that need the expertise and care of our cardiac team in the future, so for that, we would like to say a huge thank you.”