Back to news | 13th February 2025
We believe that businesses should do more than just make money. They should drive real, positive change in the world. Skytrail’s partnership with the Heart Cells Foundation shows exactly how this works. By joining forces with a pioneering medical research charity, we’re helping to transform the treatment options for heart failure patients through innovative stem cell therapy using a patient’s own cells. This collaboration isn’t just about corporate social responsibility – it’s about creating meaningful solutions that can genuinely improve people’s lives and build healthier communities.
What the Heart Cells Foundation does
The Heart Cells Foundation, based in the UK, is at the forefront of medical science, funding pioneering stem cell research to develop treatments for heart failure – a condition affecting millions worldwide. Since its inception, the foundation has worked tirelessly to offer hope to patients who have no further existing treatment options. By funding clinical trials and advancing stem cell technologies and research, the foundation is paving the way for groundbreaking therapies that could one day become the standard for cardiac care.
“The support we have received from Skytrail has been life changing, literally!” says Jenifer Rosenberg OBE, Chair of the Heart Cells Foundation. “The charity continues its work supporting the treatment of heart failure patients with their own stem cells in the compassionate unit at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and are planning a major campaign launch in 2025 to raise the monies for the final phase of the trials. This is needed to ensure the groundbreaking treatment can be made available to all on the NHS.”
Why this partnership matters
The impact of the Heart Cells Foundation’s work cannot be overstated. Heart failure remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with millions facing debilitating symptoms that severely impact their quality of life. Existing treatments, while effective in some cases, often fall short in addressing the root cause of the problem. This is where stem cell therapy comes in. By using a patient’s own cells to repair damaged heart tissue and improve overall cardiac function, stem cell treatments offer a potential lifeline to those who would otherwise have no other treatment options.
Skytrail’s commitment to ESG principles made supporting the Heart Cells Foundation a natural fit. Not only does the foundation’s work align with our goal of promoting health and wellbeing, but it also embodies the innovation and resilience we value as a company. By funding such transformative initiatives, we aim to inspire change that extends far beyond the boundaries of our industry.
A shared vision for positive change
Neil Conley, Managing Director at Skytrail, highlighted the importance of this partnership:
“At Skytrail, we strive to make a meaningful difference, not just in the aviation sector, but in the communities we serve. Having close ties to Heart Cells Foundation, we are incredibly proud and excited to partner with them to support their vital work in heart regeneration and care.”
The Heart Cells Foundation operates through a unique model, combining philanthropy with cutting-edge research. Funds raised go directly towards clinical trials, ensuring that donations translate into tangible results. Over the years, these trials have demonstrated the potential of stem cell therapy to repair damaged heart muscle, offering patients renewed energy and vitality.
Transforming lives together
One of the most inspiring aspects of the foundation’s work is the real-world impact it has on individuals and families. Stories from patients highlight the life-changing difference stem cell therapy can make, from regaining the ability to walk without pain to enjoying precious moments with loved ones. These are the outcomes that drive the Heart Cells Foundation – and partnerships like ours – to keep pushing forward.
For Skytrail, this partnership is about more than financial support. It’s about championing a cause that resonates with our values and engaging our employees and customers in meaningful ways. Through events, fundraising initiatives, and awareness campaigns, we aim to amplify the Heart Cells Foundation’s message and mobilise broader support for their work.
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue building on this partnership and exploring new ways to make a difference. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards – seeing lives transformed – are immeasurable.
In a world where health challenges are becoming increasingly complex, partnerships like this one offer a beacon of hope. By uniting the resources and expertise of organisations like Skytrail and the Heart Cells Foundation, we’re proving that together, we can achieve extraordinary things.
To learn more about the Heart Cells Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit www.heartcellsfoundation.com. And for updates on our ESG initiatives, stay tuned to Skytrail’s channels. This is just the beginning of a story that we hope will inspire many to join us in making a difference.