February 5, 2018 
Uncategorized 
Our latest fundraiser of the month is Lottie Eastwood who has been inspired by her daughter Ava.
Ava had open heart surgery in January 2017 at 18 months old to repair a partial atrioventricular septal defect accompanied by leaky valves.
Lottie is extremely passionate about raising both awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD) and donations for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF):
The charity itself was a massive help when Ava had her open heart surgery. People were always on hand for help and support for us as parents. Accommodation funded by CHSF was also offered to us during our hospital stay which was extremely handy as we live around 85 miles away from Leeds. Once we reached the end of our hospital journey Ava was presented with a Katie Bear of her own, plus a certificate and medal for her bravery which really was touching and made her smile during one of the hardest times of her life. I was also astounded as to how much of the machinery that was used during Ava’s stay was funded by CHSF too!
Following Ava’s surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, Lottie and family have undertaken numerous fundraising activities:
I have done raffles from home and online, and held a mini charity event for close friends and family at a local village hall last summer raising just over £400. I recruited the support of a local school and friends and family for Wear Red Day 2017 and they have also taken part and raised funds for Wear Red Day 2018. I would like to take part in a charity skydive in the near future…..eeeeek!
Lottie had this advice for others considering organising a fundraising event for this charity:
My advice for other fundraisers would be to never give up and remember what and who you are doing it for. Not only are you raising funds for an amazing charity, you’re also raising awareness for CHD as not a lot of people are knowledgeable as to how many different types there are, or how it can affect people.
Lottie was kind enough to call us “diamond staff” here at CHSF, but we couldn’t do any of this without the kind of strength and positivity shown by tremendous supporters like Lottie and daughter Ava!
