UK Prime Minister Brown unveils 'Prometheus' statue

The Prime Minister has unveiled a statue in tribute to the work of a renowned heart surgeon who he said was regarded as a hero around the world. The Prometheus figure, from Greek philosophy, was presented to Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub to mark his contribution to cardiac research across the globe. The statue now stands outside the Magdi Yacoub Institute based at the Heart Science Centre at Harefield Hospital, Middlesex. It has been presented to the Institute by the doctors and scientists of the Praxiteleion, a group of private hospitals and diagnostic centres in Athens. The group is planning to build a new hospital specialising in cardiological and neurological research which Sir Magdi is advising and assisting with. Sir Magdi, who was a friend of Princess Diana, has performed more transplants than any other surgeon in the world. He retired from the NHS in September 2001, but continues to head his pioneering research programme at Harefield Hospital and projects across the world. Gordon Brown said that Sir Magdi was "one the best contributors to British science we have ever seen". He said: "This research centre is sending out a message of hope not only to this country but to the rest of the world." Sir Magdi said: "As a pioneering heart research institute, we exist to investigate the causes and treatment of heart disease and share our findings for the benefit of humanity worldwide. The doctors and scientists at the Praxiteleion share our vision and Prometheus provides an enduring link between ancient Greek philosophy and modern day research." - PA