The amazing tale of Mozart and the microscope
A former patient, who was treated for a brain tumour, showed her gratitude by walking 250 miles across the Alps to raise over £15,000.
Diana Ambache walked from Salzburg, where Mozart was born, to Vienna, where he died. "It took my husband and I four weeks, and we enjoyed doing it", says musical Diana, who runs the Ambache Chamber Orchestra.
With the money raised, she contributed £10,000 towards a teaching microscope, that will train brain surgeons of the future at the Royal College of Surgeons. "We've been to see the microscope, and it's splendid!" says Diana, whose father was a medical researcher at the College. She also put £5,000 towards a bladder scanner for the Royal London Hospital, where her brain tumour was removed.
Diana with a bust of Mozart, at the spot where the composer died in Vienna.
A spokesperson for Barts and The London Charity said: "This was a fantastic achievement. It means a great deal to the staff when former patients choose to support us in this way. Many people will benefit from the enhanced skills of future surgeons, and patients on the neurological ward will benefit from the bladder scanner which will prevent unnecessary catheterisation".
You can read a blog about Diana's adventures by clicking here.
