Standard Group donates Sh5 million for heart run

By standard reporter

The Standard Group has partnered with The Mater Hospital and other corporate organisations to sponsor this year’s Mater Heart Run, which will be held on May 26.

Speaking on Tuesday, at the launch of this year’s event, the Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly called on more corporate bodies to join in and support the programme to enable needy children access life-saving heart treatment.

We are together in this and we’ll commit to support the worthy cause," said Mr Melly.

The Group, which is the official media sponsor, donated Sh5 million in cash and airtime.

Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly hands over a cheque to Mater Hospital CEO John Muriithi and Sister Liz Fletcher during the launch of Mater Heart Run 2012, on Tuesday. [Photo: Agnes Rube/Standard]

During the launch, other main sponsors including Capital FM and mobile service provider Safaricom pledged to continue supporting The Mater Hospital.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore voiced concerns at the high rate of infant mortality in developing countries. He urged stakeholders and the Government to work together and improve the health sector.

"For every 1,000 children born in Kenya, 52 die before the age of five. These statistics have placed Kenya at position 43 globally, this is very worrying," said Collymore.

The run was started eight years ago with the aim of assisting poor children aged between six months and 18 years who cannot afford the cost of cardiac surgery.

So far, more than 2,000 children have benefited from money raised from previous runs. Last year, over 150 children received treatment at Mater.