Surgeon breaks into song for unborn babies

Swindon obstetrician and gynaecological surgeon John Sullimore is also a song writer and musician. His desire to hear his music recorded, mixed with a keenness to support the town's new hospital has led to him and his band called The Smooth Operators to produce a four track CD entitled 'Under The Knife.'

Support from Swindon people who have fundraised for the hospital has inspired John to donate income from the release to the Maternity Unit at the Great Western Hospital to help with the purchase of a baby heart monitoring system for unborn babies.

£8,000 is needed for this equipment and John says it would be great to be able to play a part in raising it. John said, 'local people have really shown fantastic support for their new hospital it's encouraged me to put my love for music to good use. My songs - "Bad Things" "Please" "Need To Know Blues" and "Birdsong" are all original and the tunes are catchy. It's been exciting experiencing the studio recording process with friends who are professional musicians, one of whom, Dave Reilly, is an ex member of the group China Crisis."

The singing surgeon John Cullimore with patient Simone Merrington.

John added, "since moving to the new hospital, the birth rate seems to have risen by about ten per cent, so hundreds more babies could potentially benefit from more heart monitoring equipment. Similarly mothers in labour or afterwards could also benefit, as the equipment we are seeking can monitor the mother's vital signs".

Shirley Ludford, radio presenter and producer on Swindon FM said, "the CD is original, inspiring and playable! I am delighted to support John and his team by playing tracks on air and encouraging others to support his project - especially as it's one where everyone will be a winner as music really is part of our lives"

John has already busked at the Hospital's recent Open Day where he achieved some sponsorship for the project from Zurich plc. He now needs your help to enable him to meet the target so that a very special Easter present can be presented to the midwifery staff at the hospital.

Local enterprises supporting the sale of the CD include Virgin (Brunel), Magnum Wine, WRVS Shop at GW Hospital, Shepherd's rest (Wanborough).

To contact John to arrange for him to busk at your venue - in return for a considerable donation, call Rhona Jack at BlueClick PR on 01793 635147.


All photos by Richard Wintle of Calyx: www.calyxpix.com