April 5, 2019 
Uncategorized 
#FundraisingFriday is a fantastic opportunity to sing our incredible supporter’s praises and this week is no exception. Read more to find out who has inspired this amazing fundraising!
Emma Hebdige & Jackie Abson
Emma said:
We are supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because in June 2016 my daughter Ava (who was 5 at the time) had open heart surgery to repair her mitral valve.
The diagnosis of Ava’s condition was completely out of the blue as she was symptom-less – we were therefore in complete shock.
During Ava’s time in hospital we relied on CHSF to provide parent accommodation meaning we could stay close to Ava at all times.
Ava really enjoyed the play room and the range of activities it had. She grew fond of Gemma the Play Specialist and did lots of crafting with her – especially during times where she was having a procedure and needed to take her mind off what was ahead.
Ava’s Nanan, Jackie, decided to organise a raffle to raise money and she had previously done a sponsored walk for this important charity close to our hearts.
We sold tickets to school mums, work colleagues, friends and family and rallied round to ask local business for prize donations. We raised a massive £1,170 which we were so proud of!
Ava continues to have annual check ups with Dr Thompson at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is doing great!
South Yorkshire Pensions Authority
SYPA said:
The one hundred or so staff at South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, who are based in Barnsley, raised funds for CHSF in memory of Lucas Brook Tewson who sadly passed away on 18 July 2018, aged 4 months, having undergone three open heart surgeries at LGI.
Lucas’s Dad, Simon Tewson (who works at SYPA) and his Mum, Samantha Ryan, are incredibly touched and humbled by the thought and generosity of SYPA staff.
They had a whip round while Lucas was in hospital and over the Christmas 2018 period, they raised further funds via an office move furniture sale, donations in lieu of Christmas cards, a Christmas jumper day, an auction of donated gifts, and a weight loss competition.
The total raised was an incredible £655. Thank you SYPA and bless you Lucas, you will always be remembered.
UNISON, Barnsley branch
Ben from UNISON said:
The Barnsley branch of UNISON, the public sector union, has donated £500 in memory of Lucas Tewson.
Lucas’s dad, Simon, has been a UNISON rep for many years and we were very moved to hear about the support provided to Simon and Sam, Lucas’s mum, by CHSF and many others during Lucas’s stay in hospital and afterwards.
We wanted to donate so we could help in some small way to make a difference to parents who are facing similar situations to Sam and Simon during the most difficult of times.
The total amount raised shows just how many people have been touched by Lucas and we are glad that we are able to contribute.
Feeling inspired to give something back and raise much-needed funds for a great cause? Get in touch with Lisa Williams, on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810 or download our events calendar here for inspiration and to see other ways to get involved.
