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.

Private Group on Facebook for CHSF Patients and Families

Private Group on Facebook for CHSF Patients and Families

CHSF’s private community group on Facebook is a peer-support forum for heart families and patients to network with others who have had shared experiences. The group consists of patients with congenital heart disease, parents and family members who find it an...

CHSF grant £10,000 to Eckersley House

CHSF grant £10,000 to Eckersley House

We are thrilled to announce we have awarded a grant of £10,000 to Eckersley House ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust, thanks to your donations. Eckersley House gives families with a seriously ill child at Leeds Children’s Hospital a place to stay just...

Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)? If you are looking after a child with a health condition or disability who is under 16, they may be entitled to a benefit called Disability Living Allowance  or 'DLA'. DLA is extra money you might be able to claim to help...