Dear Very Important Parent,

Over the past four years, I have witnessed you taking on so many roles as you have supported your child through hospital admissions.

Not only are you ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’, but you are also a caregiver, a nurse, a comfort blanket, countless words of reassurance, a constant source of energy…

You have meetings, retain information and relay that information on to other family members.

You wash, provide food, provide distractions and kiss away pain.

All on a daily basis, and all whilst feeling an immense amount of stress. And you do this because as parents this is simply your job.

Well, our job at CHSF is to take care of you.

Take care of you and ensure you have support and someone to lean on.

There is no one in the world who can do the job you do, and do it as well as you, so when the day is over, please remember to do something for yourself.

Get some fresh air, eat something, take a shower or a bath, make a call to a friend or simply close your eyes, rest, and recharge.

And when the simple things seem the hardest, be kind to yourself and ask for support.

With love,

Sarah x

Sarah joined CHSF in 2020 when we launched our brand new Family Support service. Four years later, Sarah is now Head of Family Support and leads the team in being there for our heart families when they need us most.

Find out more about CHSF’s Family Support service and request support here.

Support for families: September 2025

Support for families: September 2025

“You have been wonderful, please keep up the outstanding work” - heart mumDuring the month of September... 7 referrals received for targeted Family Support 7 families engaged with 6 young people and their families worked with and supported Financial support in...

Family Support Update: Inclusion in action

Family Support Update: Inclusion in action

Mansi Dass joined Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as Family Inclusion Worker in late June. Here’s an update from CHSF’s Head of Family Support, Sarah Cherry on how Mansi is dedicating her time to promoting inclusion, celebrating cultures and raising awareness to bridge...

Support for families: August 2025

Support for families: August 2025

“The ability to listen when you’re going through a hard time. Kindness in providing accommodation and vouchers when your child is in PICU or HDU. Empathising with your emotions and being a friendly face. "The highlight for us was our child receiving a Katie bear and a...