I just have to say a few words about CORDA

While with Varian Data Machines (since absorbed into Hewlett Pakhard), I consulted for government departments and large organisations concerning the introduction of new devices called computers.  In 1976, I was asked to visit the National Heart Hospital in London where I met Professor Donald Longmore.

He was a key member of the team which performed the first heart transplant in the UK in 1967.  Although now retired, he remains an inspirational figure.

Knowing heart disease was largely preventable, he decided to focus his attentions on preventing people reaching the operating table by which time it could be too late.

Lack of finance and foresight force governments and hospitals to put their resource into treatment of the disease.  The chances of obtaining funding for Longmore’s ideas was therefore impossible.

Call it naivety, stupidity or anything else but I was so inspired by Donald that I offered to set up a charity to raise the necessary funds to realise his dreams.

Let me say right here and now, I had no idea what I was getting into.

We were fortunate in gaining the interest of Lord Carr, ex-Home Secretary and he became the charity’s first chairman in 1976.  Many distinguished people have since lent their time, energy and skills to make CORDA successful.

To date, the accomplishments of CORDA and the contribution of the diagnostic unit which Longmore founded at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London is immense and recognised worldwide.