Matt Forde becomes ambassador for Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Matt Forde has become an ambassador for RNOH Charity, the organisation linked to the London-based hospital that undertook a life-saving operation on his spine.
The hospital says: "RNOH Charity proudly announces the appointment of Matt Forde as its newest charity ambassador. As one of the UK's top entertainment hosts and a much-loved stand-up performer, Matt's decision to join forces with RNOH Charity is a real boost for the organisation, celebrating a shared dedication to its mission to support one of the world's leading orthopaedic hospitals, here in the UK.
"The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) treats people living with sarcoma, spinal injury and life-changing bone and muscle conditions. Matt's commitment to the cause will see him unite his personal understanding of sarcoma treatment at the hospital and his wish to help the charity enhance the patient and staff experience for others.
"The charity raises funds to supply state-of-the-art equipment, elevate the patient experience with improved hospital facilities and contribute to the hospital's pioneering research programmes that keep it at the cutting edge of orthopaedic surgery."
Forde was diagnosed with sarcoma last year, a rare form of cancer that develops in bones and soft tissues. The hospital, which is located in Stanmore, removed the base of his spine to take out a tumour.
As BCG revealed last month, the comic - who is currently learning to walk again - is now set to return to the Edinburgh Fringe in August, where he will be debuting his show The End Of An Era.
Talking about linking up with the hospital, Forde says: "I'm delighted to become an ambassador for RNOH Charity. Just a few months ago I underwent life-saving treatment at RNOH. I will always be grateful for the talent and compassion of everyone who works there. I saw first-hand the difference RNOH Charity makes, from funding uplifting artwork for the wards to helping supply transformative equipment for surgery and rehabilitation. Because of that, I want to help the charity improve the hospital experience for everyone. Now that I'm an ambassador I had hoped to host lavish receptions with silver trays piled high with praline, but the charity tells me that's a different kind of ambassador."
RNOH Charity chief executive Rosie Stolarski comments: "We are thrilled to welcome Matt as an RNOH Charity ambassador. The charity has been helping the hospital for more than 25 years as the extraordinary teams save lives and change the future for the better for so many people. With Matt's support, we anticipate reaching even greater heights as he helps us raise awareness of the importance of the charity to the patients and staff of RNOH and move forward with our plans."
This year, RNOH Charity is hoping to complete fundraising for the refurbishment of the outdated day-room at the hospital's Spinal Cord Injury Centre for people with devastating conditions, who often spend months at RNOH. The organisation is also raising funds to provide the hospital with a new scanner to treat more patients and to support key initiatives linked to sarcoma and children's services.
More details can be found via rnohcharity.org