If this isn't enough to prick your conscience, let me personalise this by telling you that 11 years ago my son, Malachi, was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital condition whereby the left side of the heart and its two chambers don’t develop. Children born with this condition need surgery to save their lives. Surgical techniques for this condition are still developmental in many respects and his chances of living to 5 years of age were put at no more than 50%.
Three rounds of open heart surgery in his first 3 years at Great Ormond Street have enabled Malachi to lead a full life, and he celebrated his 10th birthday last November. Many challenges lie ahead for Malachi and it is expected that he will require a heart transplant at some stage in the future.
Not only was the surgery a success, I was also humbled by the people I met in similarly challenging circumstances, the care afforded to my family and the dedication of staff at the hospital. I am forever indebted to them.
Here is a short video Malachi recorded for our UK sales conference last year - you'll see he has a mischievous, fun-loving personality that is truly infectious.
Ian Cooper
Partner and COO - Lockton Companies LLP