Day One volunteers took part in a special visit to thank billionaire Swiss philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss for his continued support of the charity.
Mr Wyss visited Leeds Major Trauma Centre, at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), on Friday 7 March, to see first-hand the important bedside support Day One provides to patients and families who have experienced catastrophic injuries. Mr Wyss also met a team of our Peer Support Volunteers, who have lived experience of major trauma and give emotional support to people in hospital, and when they return home.
Mr Wyss’s contributions enabled the establishment of the High Observation Unit (L8), and refurbishment of the Trauma Recovery Ward (L10) at LGI. Through his charitable foundation, The Wyss Medical Foundation, he has also played a pivotal role in helping Day One become an independent national charity after being established in Leeds. The charity has helped more than 2,000 major trauma patients in Leeds alone and now helps anyone impacted by catastrophic injuries across the UK through its national phoneline, website and partnership with seven NHS Trusts.
Day One’s founder Professor Peter Giannoudis, a trauma surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, welcomed Mr Wyss and guests during a special visit to the UK. Mr. Wyss’s commitment to Day One and Leeds represents his first and only philanthropic support outside of the US and Switzerland, a testament to our joint work in trauma care, medical innovation, and patient recovery.
Mr Wyss and guests also met Day One CEO Lucy Nickson, Day One Chair of Trustees Prof Sue Proctor, and more volunteers during a lunch at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung.
A Swiss-born entrepreneur, Mr. Wyss built his fortune in the medical device industry. In 1977, he founded Synthes USA, a global leader in orthopaedic implants, developing internal screws and plates for bone fractures that have transformed trauma care worldwide. Many of these devices have been used to treat trauma patients in Leeds. In 2012, he sold Synthes to Johnson & Johnson in a landmark deal, making it the world's largest orthopaedic company. Following the sale, Mr. Wyss turned his focus to philanthropy, directing billions towards medical research, trauma care, environmental conservation, and progressive causes.
Leeds Major Trauma Centre is one of the UK’s busiest major trauma centres, treating more than 1,600 patients with multiple injuries every year.
Lucy Nickson said: "As a charity, we can only help people rebuild lives after major trauma thanks to the amazing donations we receive from our generous supporters. None more so than Mr Wyss and The Wyss Medical Foundation, whose transformational gifts have meant we've been able to establish as a national independent charity. It's thanks to them, and all our supporters, that we're here to support anyone impacted by life-changing injuries, wherever they are in the UK.”
Mr Wyss said: “I believe Day One is such a fantastic and worthwhile charity. The concept of Day One is a wonderful thing and I’m fortunate to have the means to support this charity so it can do great things, so it can grow, support more people and recruit more volunteers. It meant a lot to me to meet these wonderful people and see that the money we gave has been put to good use to help as many people as possible. Without all of the work of the volunteers and their support with Prof Peter Giannoudis, Day One would not exist.”
