From the President's Desk
15 September 2025
From the President’s Desk – 15 September 2025
On 14 September 2025, we embarked on our inaugural London to Brighton cycle ride, what we hope will become a regular event for SCTS. Our aims were simple yet ambitious: to raise funds, to raise visibility, and to strengthen our community by bringing together our own members and supporters with partners, industry and patients.
The day began in Clapham Common beneath a clear, early autumn sky. There was that mix of sunshine and morning crispness. Spirits were high, and the peloton went out in waves with laughter and excitement. City became suburb, becoming countryside and the hills and pretty villages of the Downs. Miles passed, the weather shifted. Spirits were help up with banter, humour and water stops. By the time the last riders arrived in Brighton Marina, we had battled gales, sheets of rain, and even bursts of hail, the sea heaving and frothing beside.
For those who arrived earlier, sunshine lit their finish. The contrasts of the day, a little nervousness, settling into our special calm - our surgeon’s flow, challenges, great views, and a satisfying arrival, felt symbolic of what we do.
At the end, we were greeted by our SCTS stand, superbly organised by Charli Habibi, a medical student from UEA and King’s and an outstanding member of the SCTS Student Committee. She had “captained” our Brighton base with energy and professionalism, dealing with what began as a handful of cyclists becoming TEAM SCTS of over 30 riders, backed by a HQ and Brighton site crew. In just a few weeks, a community was built around this event. That’s what happens when people share a vision.
Cardiac transformation
As we look ahead, the momentum of this SCTS project and our change platform connects with the wider transformation we are together shaping . Our President-elect, Enoch Akowuah is developing a programme of change in cardiac surgery and anaesthesia, engaging with colleagues, patients, and partners across the system. In the coming days we will announce more details, and we will take the conversation further at our Unit Representatives’ Meeting on 26 September 2026. This is online and in person at the King’s Fund in London (details from emma@scts.org).
Cardiothoracic transplant
In parallel, we are progressing important work on cardiothoracic transplantation. Recent conversations with NHS England and NHSBT have been candid and necessary. In some areas, our outcomes are world-leading. In others, we lag behind the best. This is despite substantial funding. That is not acceptable in countries with well-funded National Health Services, talented clinicians and patients reliant on us.
To my mind, the model must be rebalanced: administration should deliver the means, but the design of pathways must rest with clinicians, their teams and patients. That is how we will achieve excellence, make best use of resources, and ensure our system serves the people who depend on it.
The Fall
Autumn arrives, bringing with it shorter days, shifting colours and leaves. I mark a milestone birthday this week, and the London to Brighton ride was a gift: to ride alongside my wife, children, colleagues; friends and new friends.
Going forward
To cross the finish line, hands linked with one of my own patients, was special. He had both heart and lung surgery; we journeyed together and arrived safely. I want to specially thank all the patients who rode. For one it is only 2 months since your operation: amazing. To another, we almost lost you from sepsis, and now you smashed the time! To another, you beat the cancer, and are our motivator. To others you run charities to deal with your situation.
The ride is a beginning. It has set the stage for 2026, and I hope it will inspire other events under the guidance of our new Fundraising committee. The lessons we have learned, about resilience, about community, about visibility, will guide us forward. Together, as surgeons, trainees, patients, and partners, we have shown what is possible.
To those who are uncertain, or look backwards rather than forwards, read this: the world is moving on, and so must we. Progress belongs to those who are willing to embrace change, to experiment, and to build. The London to Brighton ride is proof of what can be achieved with imagination and collaboration. Our future will not be shaped by hesitation or precedent, but by being the change. In order not to be the problem, be the solution.
Thank you for all your efforts in “making heart, chest, and lung surgery better”.
Aman S Coonar
SCTS President
The SCTS L2B cycle ride is sponsored via our SCTS x London - Brighton Cycle Ride 2025 - JustGiving page, direct donations and our corporate sponsor CMR Surgical. We are hugely grateful for their and your support.
SCTS L2B Cycle Ride Partners
You Okay, Doc
Heart Valve Voice
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Dates to save
View other News