BARBARA and Terry English from Whittlesey are preparing to take part in a fund raising walk for Papworth Hospital this weekend, to thank the world famous institution for the life saving treatment it has given Terry.

Terry has pulmonary fibrosis and has received ongoing treatment at Papworth for the last two years; and the couple were even more determined to help raise cash for Papworth after a member of their family was successfully treated there after a heart attack.

Barbara said: “We just wanted to give something back to this amazing place. They have helped not only so many of our friends and family but other families too. We are aiming to raise �500.”

Barbara, 57, and Terry, 61, will be joined by 15 of their friends and family for the walk at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough on Sunday, as part of World Heart Day.

This is the eighth World Heart Day event that Papworth Hospital Charity has organised, and this year they are aiming to raise �75,000 to buy a new cardio pulmonary bypass machine.

This vital piece of equipment temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery for more than 3,000 patients who are operated on at Papworth each year.

At the event, supported by British Gas, people of all ages and abilities will be walking, running and cycling the 1.5, 4.5 or 9 mile routes at the country park.

Mary Liley, Papworth hospital charity director said: “The aim of this event is to provide a fun family day out and for people to get their hearts pumping and enjoy some healthy exercise. It is great that so many people from across the county have already signed up to help us raise vital funds.”

There is still a chance for people to join the walk by signing up on the Papworth Hospital Charity website; alternatively you can sign up on the day.