When Jeremy and Harri embarked on a 250 mile ‘Cyclimb’ to raise money for two heart charities, there is no way they could have anticipated that one of them would have cardiac troubles of their own…
With us all locked down and lots of time on our hands, our minds wandered back to a time and event full of memories. 2019 began with Harriet (Harri) and I making that big decision to improve our physiques – by losing weight and continuing our love of cycling. We already had a passion for walking, preferably up mountains and we needed a challenge.
In 2017 Harri and her twin sister cycled from London to Paris in 4 days (!!!) Far too gruelling for me…so we looked at alternatives. What to do? Which charities could gain from our indulgence?
“Let’s cycle from home to Snowdonia and climb the mountain at the end”. Home for us is London and it is 250 miles to Llanberis, at the base of Mount Snowdon. That would take a week at our pace, and July is the target. We have a history of heart issues in my immediate family with my father dying at only 50 from a massive heart attack. We also now have two children’s’ charities of relevance to our family who have benefited from them – Little Hearts Matter and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
And so, it began. With no support crew we decided to do a recce of the route by car, at the same time dropping a bag of clothes in each of the hotels we had booked along the way. We’d collect the ‘dirty washing’ on the way home, that way we travel light on the actual cycle ride. (Heads are for thinking; legs are for pedalling!)
On 13th July 2019 we start our cycle to much aplomb and cheering from our neighbours. I have a niggling ache across my shoulders which is a nuisance, but after an hour in the saddle it starts to subside.
“I have a niggling ache across my shoulders which is a nuisance, but after an hour in the saddle it starts to subside.”
I am glad I went to the doctors for those tablets. Not a problem that they made me have an ECG, it’s just to rule out anything sinister – as if the collapsed discs I know of are not sinister enough! Each day starts with the ache but ends with a glorious feeling of achievement; and, hey ho, folks are adding to our fundraising every day, both online and in the buckets on the handlebars – whoopie!
Day 1 is a glorious ride from home to Abingdon, a lot by the Thames, off the roads. Day 2 Abingdon to Stratford Upon Avon. In Stratford we enjoy a crazy Sunday evening of the cricket World Cup Final and Wimbledon Men’s Single final in the pub jumping from screen to screen. What an event this is turning out to be!
As we depart the hotel in Stratford a lady approaches and, whilst stuffing significant monies into one of our collection boxes, tells us of the loss of her own daughter to a single ventricle heart condition. She had been in her 20’s.
Speechless we cycle away, remaining silent for the first few hours, absorbing the magnitude of that lady’s story. We had chosen our charities well and were proud of extracting as much money as possible from all and sundry. Harri looks at me at lunch “What was that lady’s name?” “I don’t know”.
The day was quiet, beautiful countryside rolled by and then Little Hearts Matter contacted us. The lady’s name was Karen and she had got in touch with LHM to say she had met us. We felt so very touched that she had spoken to us and shared her story of her daughter and how that charity were such a big part of her young life.
We scheduled a rest day in Shrewsbury. What could we do? We contacted BBC Radio Shropshire, the week before, with our story of what, and why, we were doing our challenge. “Would we come to the station and have an on-air conversation with Jim Hawkins during the morning programme?” Absolutely yes! We got our causes in the frame, he joked of our madness, we told the story of Karen in Stratford, and the generosity of people both online and en-route.
With a huge spring in our step (…saddle really!), we set off across the glorious, undulating Shropshire countryside and along the Llangollen canal. What a treat! The pain across my shoulders not even getting an audience that day.
This is such a pleasure, seeing our country so intimately, passing barges laden with happy folks from every corner of the globe. Day 5 ends in Wales in a little pub hotel where we get ample chance to mix with the locals, share some good food and drink, and gird our loins for the climb over the col and into Llanberis.
There were only a few stretches on the whole journey where we had to battle with heavy traffic, and this was one of those. The A5, unavoidable here on day 6, is a significant trunk road, linking the port of Holyhead with London. We feared the articulated lorries but loved them by the end! They are driven by professionals.
We learnt to dread the ‘white vans’ They scared the life out of us. Too many deliveries, not enough time equals recklessness. Then, would you believe, on our final day. Our final morning, on a very wet, long descent into Betws-y-Coed, a blowout!
“Boom! Scan shows a narrowing of two coronary arteries…”
My front tyre punctured as I went over a pothole and one of the spokes dislodged into the tyre. We hobbled into the town and googled cycle shops. We had all the puncture repair kits, unused and still in their boxes but not a spare spoke or wheel!
Incredibly, we found a mountain bike rental shop. The owners were so helpful, they adapted another spoke they had spare and got us back on our final leg to Llanberis.
This day we had rain and headwinds pretty much all day. We were getting cold, even in July, but we were nearing the end of the cycle and the vision of our sanctuary Crashpad Lodge occupied our heads as we strained and stretched.
Our welcome party – Harri’s mum and her twin sister – had bunting, balloons, and bubbly! Wow! We’d made it! Josh, our host, loads our bikes onto the trailer and takes us to the lodge. It’s deep inside the National Park in view of our target peak, Snowdon. We crash into bed, full of pride and excitement in equal measure. We’ve cycled 250 miles and tomorrow we will finish with a flurry.
On Saturday 20th July we climbed Snowdon in a horrible cold rain, saturated to the skin by the time we reach the summit. We were joined on the climb by Harri’s son, James, his partner Chloe, as well as Harri’s twin, Jules. Lunch is brought up to these bedraggled walkers by Harri’s 80-year-old mum, Tricia on that wonder of Victorian engineering, the funicular railway, such a welcome relief.
By contrast, we descended through the clouds with wide vistas opening before us and sunbeams zapping the hillside below. We arrive back to a warm log fire in our wonderful lodge. It’s over. We raised a lot of money, we are drinking wine, reminiscing about each day’s activities, and we are totally spent!
Home; letter from the hospital; ECG fine, but we need a scan to be certain. OK, no worries, I think. I just cycled 250 miles and climbed the highest summit in Wales.
Boom! Scan shows a narrowing of two coronary arteries and the cardiologist wants to perform an angiogram and insert stents if necessary. But I just rode 250 miles in 6 days and climbed Snowdon. I have low cholesterol… I’m fit!
Everything cascades and on 20 January 2020 this “lovely young man” (my surgeon’s words, not mine) underwent 7½ hours of triple bypass surgery. Now fully supercharged with new fuel pipes nothing’s gonna stop me now.
What an irony! Would Harri and I have considered doing this challenge had we known of my underlying condition? Probably not! But the little angels who are the beneficiaries of these two wonderful charities don’t have a choice. They get on with their challenges, their lives, without a blink or missing a heartbeat.
We had great fun and we hope that you have enjoyed reading about our journey. We will continue to support Little Hearts Matter and Childrens’ Heart Surgery Fund, through more boot sales and selling items donated to us, and today we have added £500 to each charity.
What a journey! We are so grateful to Jem and Harri for there fantastic fundraising and so glad to hear all are now doing well!
Feeling inspired to take on a challenge of your own?
Check out our virtual challenges page for ideas or register your own!
Heart Dad Simon Tewson applied for a grant from Sheffield Mutual in memory of his heart warrior Lucas Brook, to help bring Katie Bear to more heart warriors after surgery…
Simon said:
Lucas Brook Tewson was born with a complex type of congenital heart disease known as Shone’s Syndrome. He was a wondrous baby boy full of strength, courage and bravery.
He lived for four months, battling his condition alongside the amazing team at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit who tried everything to save him. He died peacefully in his Mummy’s arms on 18th July 2018.
Throughout our time with Lucas at the LGI we were given tremendous support by CHSF and the life of our precious baby boy will always be linked to this amazing charity.
Lucas now has a little baby sister, Bronte May, who sadly will never meet Lucas but will come to know him and love him just as everyone who met him loves him. Bless you Lucas Brook, you are in our hearts and minds now and always.
Thank you to Sheffield Mutual for your kind and generous donation to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Laura Browse, Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society said
In line with our history, heritage and ethical values, Sheffield Mutual is committed to helping charities and good causes in the course of doing business.
Each year we aim to make funds available for donations from the Sheffield Mutual Community Fund. When Simon’s application came through, it really struck a chord with not only me, but with my colleagues as well.
The support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provides is crucial and we’re more than happy to donate to this very worthy cause.
CHSF Senior Community Fundraising Manager, Lisa said:
A huge thank you to Sheffield Mutual for their kind donation of £500 to purchase some Katie Bears. It was so thoughtful of Simon to apply for this funding in memory of his beautiful son Lucas. Katie really is a special part of the children’s journey following heart surgery and becomes a much treasured keepsake for the whole family.
Want to do something more for CHSF? Have a fundraising idea but don’t know how to get started? Email lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810 to see how you can get involved.
As we reach a new month, MAY we say a huge well done and thank you to the Dixon and Mantle families for all their fundraising!
Both families have a child who has been treated at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and they wanted to do something to give back and say thank you to the people who saved their children’s lives.
Back in February, Jonathan Dixon and Catriona Mantle held a charity dinner and here is a little bit about their amazing families and their fundraising story.
Leo was born on 15th March 2014 at 37 weeks at a tiny 3lbs 4ozs after a difficult final stage of pregnancy.
Leo was in the special care unit when it was discovered that he had a hole in his heart – a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) and he needed a life saving operation at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
The surgeons would only operate when he weighed 10 pounds so in October 2014, after a six month wait, Leo underwent six hours of open heart surgery to repair the hole. The operation was a success and Leo was monitored carefully for the coming months.
Leo is now nearly six and is a junior school. He an active little boy and his doctors are happy with his progress.
We are amazingly grateful for the incredible work of the surgeons and without the support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund Leo may not be with us today.
“Without the support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund Leo may not be with us today.”
Bonnie and her twin sister Maggie made a surprise early arrival at just 27 weeks, both weighed a tiny 2lbs 3 ozs and spent 9 weeks in special baby care at both Leeds and Harrogate hospitals.
Whilst both girls were tiny and poorly, Bonnie seemed to be struggling more. The doctors discovered at just a week old her heart was pumping blood into her lungs instead of round her body and after failing to respond to the treatment, she needed surgery to close the vein responsible.
She had a PDA ligation at just a month old – when she still weighed less than 3 pounds! Just days after surgery she was a different baby and started to catch up with her sister. At age two she was discharged from Leeds and described as ‘normal’ – such an amazing feeling!
Bonnie and Maggie are six now and apart from a tiny scar you’d never know what they’ve been through – total miracles!
The doctors and nurses at Leeds Children’s Hospital were just truly amazing, the care and support we received was incredible. The support that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund give really makes the difference to families going through such a difficult time.
“The support that CHSF give really makes the difference to families going through such a difficult time.”
Jonathan and Catriona said:
Having experienced first-hand the terrifying experience of having your baby go through heart surgery, we wanted the opportunity to give a little back.
We decided to hold a charity ball – a black tie dinner – great excuse for everyone to get dressed up, have a night out and raise some money for an amazing cause.
We asked the pair if they had any advice they would give to future CHSF fundraisers?
Arrange an event that you’re going to enjoy! It’s great to raise money for charity – but with life being so busy you have to enjoy doing it and look forward to the event!
Don’t worry about the little things – nobody else will notice! Reach out to friends, colleagues – it’s amazing how many people want to help out either through their time, or offering raffle prizes, IT support etc!
Lisa at CHSF was a great support both in the lead up and at the event. It really helped remind everyone why we were getting together, to raise money for such an amazing cause.
Senior Community Fundraising Manager, Lisa said:
Jonathon & Catriona really did organise the most fantastic event.
They put so much hard work, time and effort in to make their Charity Dinner for CHSF a huge success.
Held at Priory Barn & Cottages, the venue looked amazing and the evening was packed with entertainment, auctions and prizes – all to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. We were blown away with the overall total raised and the fact that they went above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for the charity means so much to CHSF.
Thank you to everyone who attended and donated at the dinner. Because of you we can continue to do the great work we do.
We asked Catriona and Jonathan if there was anything else they would like to add about CHSF…
It’s so difficult having a poorly child and the support that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provides just makes so much difference.
For us it was the use of Eckersley House, the parent accommodation near to Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Being able to stay so close to our babies whilst they were poorly – but the care and a friendly ear is just invaluable at a time when you’re so vulnerable.
We really are so very grateful to Jonathan, Catriona and all their friends, family and colleagues who attended the charity dinner.
The evening raised an absolutely phenomenal £15,187 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – we are blown away by this incredible fundraising! Thank you!
Feeling inspired?
The CHSF team are on hand to talk through any fundraising ideas you might have. Give us a call on 0113 831 410 or email lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk
Already have an idea? You can register to fundraise using this form here!
Fundraising challenges you can do at home.
As we adjust to disruptions to our routines and spend more time at home due to the coronavirus outbreak, here are some great new home-based fundraising challenges. Keep yourself healthy at home while you are social distancing and support CHSF at the same time by getting your nearest and dearest to sponsor you online.
1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect and so we challenge you to raise £100 before the year is out.
Will you dare the chop? Be star baker? Quit a bad habit or fall in love with a new one? It’s completely up to you how you reach the £100 target, and you have until the end of the year to get there!
Challenges with fitness equipment…
As restrictions ease, perhaps you have started back at the gym after a long lockdown. Maybe you are lucky enough to have your own keep-fit equipment at home. Set yourself a goal and attempt one of these challenges using gym equipment!
RUN
Run on a treadmill or cross trainer – a marathon 26.2 miles
CYCLE
Cycle on a static bike – London to Paris is 315 miles
ROW
Row on a rowing machine – Lake Windermere is 21 miles long
…or set your own challenge! Whatever you choose ask people to donate to your fundraising page. You could even ask for each mile to be sponsored?
Challenges with no equipment…
Just got the stairs? Your garden? The perimeter of your living room rug to keep you fit? We’ve got you covered! Some are great challenges to keep the kids active and will make a fantastic ‘show and tell’. “I climbed Mount Everest…kind of!!”
STAIR CHALLENGES
BLACKPOOL TOWER
1036 stairs
CANARY WHARF
1600 stairs
CN TOWER, TORONTO
3500 stairs
30 DAY FITNESS CHALLENGES
PUSH-UP CHALLENGE
PLANK CHALLENGE
SQUAT CHALLENGE
STEPS CHALLENGES
CLIMB MONT BLANC
30,420 steps
CLIMB KILIMANJARO
38,680 steps
CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST
58,070 steps
Quarantine Marathon
Run (or walk!) the 26.2 mile distance of a marathon. If it feels a little far to go it alone, why not do it as part of a team? Either on a home treadmill, in the garden or when you can get further afield. A great excuse to get outdoors or use your lunch break at home more wisely!
— Keep track of your steps using a Fitbit, Garmin or just on your phone! —
— Remember to share your sweaty selfies, telling everyone of your progress! —
— Know your limits and don’t overdo it. Keep yourself hydrated and don’t forget to reward yourself for your efforts! —
— Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible —
— Keep at least one metre apart from anyone outside your household at all times, ideally two! —
— If you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air —
— Take hygiene precautions and wash hands regularly —
All this sound just a bit too energetic? Check out chsf.org.uk/fundraising-at-home for different ways to fundraise at home without breaking a sweat!
Our fundraising team are on hand to help with anything you need for your fundraising!
Please contact us at info@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
What a week it has been! There is no better time to share some fundraising inspiration with you all.
This #FundraisingFriday, we celebrate the absolutely amazing Dave Wilson and the astounding amount of money he has raised in memory of his beautiful daughter, Alexa
Dave’s story
Our third child, Alexa was born in 1999. She had Down Syndrome, cataracts and when she was a week old, was diagnosed with an AVSD. Her cardiologist, Dr. Parsons advised us that she would require open heart surgery. At eight weeks old, Alexa became very unwell and was transferred to the LGI.
This was a very scary time for us and we had to leave our other two children, aged three and six with grandparents. I travelled to and from our home in Scunthorpe, while Alexa’s mum was thankfully given a room in the hospital that allowed her to stay close to Alexa.
Alexa’s surgery was complicated and her recovery was slow. During this time, we were in awe of the dedication and skill of Miss Carin Van Doorn and the surgical team, nurses and support staff. We felt that she was in the best of hands at all times and our needs, as her parents, were considered throughout.
Alexa returned home but still had a leaky valve so we knew that she would require further surgery at some point. With the very great care of her cardiologists, Dr Parsons and Dr Gibbs she remained well until she was 9 when she was again transferred to LGI for a mitral valve replacement.
Unfortunately, this time, her heart was enlarged and the surgery and subsequent pacemaker insertion did not lead to recovery.
After discussions with the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, she was then transferred there, while still ventilated, in order to be placed on the heart transplant register. Alexa received a Berlin Heart device under their care but sadly suffered a stroke before a heart was found. She passed away a month before her 10th birthday.
The death of our beautiful, brave little girl was utterly devastating but without the incredible work of the Children’s Heart Surgery Team at LGI, we would not have had the joy of those wonderful years together. We wanted to be able to give something back as a symbol of our gratitude and to ensure that your great work continues.
CHSF’s Senior Community Fundraising Manager, Lisa said –
Every year Dave organises a fantastic charity ball in memory of Alexa.
Thank you Dave for continuing to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and organising your annual charity ball. We appreciate your hard work, time, effort and very generous donations.
Feeling inspired? Get planning your fundraising today…
If you would like any more information about fundraising or want to chat through your ideas, drop Lisa an email on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
It may be Friday the 13th but we sure are feeling lucky to have amazing fundraisers like Jessica Mee!
Jessica and her family have supported CHSF tirelessly over the last three years, with more than £11,000 raised for the charity so far.
We spoke to Jessica about her latest fundraising event and who inspires her to keep supporting CHSF...
Jessica said:
My Niece was diagnosed three years ago with congenital heart disease. At three days old she underwent open heart surgery at Leeds and will continue to be under their care.
When visiting her I felt completely helpless. I remember leaving the hospital feeling like I wanted to do something, not just for Isabelle, but all the other children on the ward.
I started to think of fundraising ideas and put all my energy into raising as much as possible for CHSF as without them the ward wouldn’t be able to progress and support in the way it does.
In the past 3 years we’ve organised children’s fun days, dinner and dance and most recently our summer garden party.
We’ve managed to raise over £11,000 so far and will continue our journey with CHSF as much as possible.
Senior Community Fundraising Manager, Lisa said:
Jessica has been so proactive in organising all of her fundraising events.
She seeks support from her family, and gets her local community involved and approaches people for raffle prizes and donations while raising awareness of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Thank you Jessica for being such an amazing fundraiser for CHSF your hard work, time and effort is really appreciated by us all at the charity and we are so grateful for your continued support.
If you are thinking of organising a fundraising event you can get in touch and I can chat through different ideas of how to make your event a great success.
We can provide you with buckets, tins and t-shirts and offer support throughout your fundraising journey.
Feeling inspired? Get planning your fundraising today…
Nearly a month has passed and we are still on a #WearRedDay high at CHSF HQ! You well and truly painted the REGION red and raised superb awareness and funds for CHSF and congenital heart disease.
February was so jam-packed full of amazing fundraisers that we couldn’t pick only one! Keep reading to see what inspired just four of our fundraisers to rock the red last month…
Natalie Morris
“We chose to fundraise for CHSF on behalf of our daughter Isabel who had surgery in March 2014. We live about 50 miles from Leeds and I know of so many family’s locally to me who’s children have had surgery at the unit, some who are close friends. It was great to get Isabel’s school involved on Wear Red Day and for the children to learn more about why they were wearing red how it helps children like Isabel.”
“We’ve done this the last few years and one girl always stops me when she sees me with Isabel to tell her mum the reason they do Wear Red Day in school. It’s great that the children are aware of what other children go through. CHSF provided the accommodation for us when Isabel was really poorly. They transferred us from our local hospital to Leeds and then again when she needed heart surgery just a few weeks later.”
“Providing us with accommodation when Isabel was so sick gave us relief and one less thing to worry about, knowing we could be close to Isabel without the need to travel daily. Also just from being on the ward we could see how much CHSF put into supporting the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.”
“We’ve taken part in quite a few events and fundraising challenges for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – from coffee mornings, raffles, wear red days and Isabel doing the Superhero Walk to a long bike riding challenge. Next month my husband Kev & brother in law Steve are running the Sheffield Half Marathon! This is their first running event, it’s just great to give something back.”
“Advice I’d give to anyone planning to fundraise for CHSf is, plan something fun and exciting and try and get as many people involved as possible. The CHSF Facebook pages are great for bringing people together and you’ll find everyone supports each other in their fundraising – making great friends along the way whilst connecting with people who know what you’ve been through.”
“CHSF do an amazing job with the continued support they offer to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and supporting the families of those children.”
Laura Fletcher
Why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
“Our daughter Ava has had four procedures at Leeds, so each year we like to try give something back. She has a complex condition and has had two open heart surgeries as a baby so its important for us to show our gratitude.”
How has CHSF helped your family specifically?
“They have always provided support for our family and helped with our fundraising plans.”
What fundraising have you completed for CHSF?
“We have in the past done a Coast2Coast cycle, a fashion show, a skydive and an 18 mile walk. Most recently we did a Wear Red Day cake sale raising £150, and Ava and William’s school raised money too.”
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
“Keep it simple! And use social media to spread the word “
Is there anything else you would like to say about CHSF?
“They are an amazing charity and we feel so proud that Ava has such a great understanding of it and the amazing work they do.”
Esh Construction
“Esh Leeds office staff, site staff and subcontractors on our ‘Ironworks’ project in Leeds, supported CHSF’s Wear Red Day this year. Esh office staff took part in raising funds by wearing red clothing, red makeup and bringing in red baked goods! Our on-site staff also took part in raising money and wearing Red Hi-Vis Jackets.”
“My team and I are fortunate in that we haven’t needed the Services of CHSF but fully appreciate what a wonderful difference they make to those who do.”
“We are happy we could help make a little difference and have a little fun along the way whilst raising some much needed funds to show our support.”
“Getting involved in fundraising isn’t about competition or who can raise the most money, its about taking part with family, friends or co-workers in activities such as sporting activities, bake sales or wearing a particular colour for the day that represents that charity such as ‘Wear Red Day’ to raise money, be it large or small, for charities who provide such an amazing service. Fundraising is for all ages including adults, children – and even pets!”
“CHSF provide an amazing and vital service to babies, children and adult with CHD. The support they provide is fantastic and we at Esh are proud to have raised over £800 for them!”
Mandy Warner
Why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
“We think back to the day we were given the news of our baby girls heart diagnosis – nothing prepares you for that. Ebony was diagnosed with an AVSD shortly after birth in November 2016 – we remember confiding in a friend of ours who’s little boy had just gone through a similar ordeal and she told us about the amazing support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.”
“We often think of the quote we found on the internet ‘I understand you’re not a CHD parent so spreading awareness isn’t a priority, but the day before my child’s diagnosis, I wasn’t a CHD parent either’ this rings so true. It’s a real shame that it takes something to happen to you as a family to identify what level of support is out there – these amazing charities that go above and beyond, that have our backs at such a vulnerable time that we as parents find ourselves in.”
How has CHSF helped your family specifically?
“In July 2018 our daughter underwent her first open heart surgery. The fear we shared as we made our way to the hospital was extremely intense but as soon as we walked in, we were blown away with an environment that just felt far from a hospital. Seeing the beautiful bright colourss and a familiar Katie Bear on the wall. The toys, the fish tank, the interaction…..just wow.”
“But the thing that stuck out the most to us as we sat by our daughter’s bed side and we stared at the numbers on the monitors next to her – that this fantastic equipment that was tracking our daughter’s recovery was all funded by CHSF! Thank you for letting us be a family, providing the much-appreciated accommodation to enable us to both sit by our baby girl’s bed side day and night whilst she began her journey to recovery.”
What fundraising have you completed for CHSF?
“In September 2017 I took to the skies in my first skydive alongside Ebony’s Auntie Hayley and Uncle Nathan. This challenge was huge but I was keen to do this for a cause so very close to us. In July 2019, marking Ebony’s one year heart anniversary, we held a Family Fun Day in our local village hall. This event was a huge success and meant everything to us. In September 2019, I ran my first ever half marathon when I took part in the SimplyHealth Great North Run.”
“I never imagined running this, I didn’t think I was capable, but had the help of a good friend along the way. Having our beautiful heart warrior waiting at the finish line gave me the determination. Most recently for CHSF’s annual Wear Red Day a very kind friend held a small children’s party for our daughter in our local club for families to come along, enjoy the entertainment and supported our efforts to raise a further £160!”
“And we will not stop there! What CHSF have done for our family amongst so many other heart families – our efforts made so far (which have been extremely successful through support from our family, friends and local community) isn’t merely enough to show how thankful we are. Our hard work and determination to support this amazing charity will go on!!”
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
“Be proud of what you achieve. CHSF appreciate every single penny we raise in ‘Supporting hearts for life’. Fundraising really dosen’t have to be big and bold, there are so many ways you can work a fundraiser around your commitments. cake stalls, wearing red, organised walks etc are just some of the ways you can support this amazing charity. The satisfaction of knowing you supported something so worthwhile, and how every single penny of your donations are supporting our daughters, sons, grandchildren etc in a huge way really is something to be extremely proud of. We are in this together and all our donations combined are doing something truly amazing!”
Is there anything else you would like to say about CHSF?
To Children’s Heart Surgery Fund,
From the bottom of our hearts, I’m sure we speak for many people when we say, thank you CHSF for the love and care you show and your continued hard work, dedication and commitment in making this cause the success it is today. The scary path we as parents, grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunties and uncles find ourselves on, just makes that road a little clearer for us as we find our way.
We know our Heart Family we will forever owe everything to you and more.
xxxxxxxxx
We are so incredibly grateful to all our terrific fundraisers!
We had a blast celebrating with you on #WearRedDay and social media was buzzing with your posts, photos and videos!
Another massive thank you to everyone who got involved and raised vital funds and awareness of congenital heart disease in our region!
Still need to get your #WearRedDay fundraising to us?
Click here for ways to pay in your fundraising…
Bag packs are a great way to fundraise with family and friends and raise awareness for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. It’s simple and easy to get started!
If you’ve not heard of a bag pack before, it’s where a group of volunteers help shoppers pack, and ask for a small donations.
We spoke to our Senior Community Fundraising Manager Lisa, to get her advice on how to set up a bag pack for CHSF…
First things first, I’d recommend contacting the Community Champion in your chosen shop or supermarket and requesting a date for your bag pack.
Supermarkets can get booked up in advance, so contact a few – ask whether they allow bag packing and if they have dates available. Do this as early in advance as possible, as busy weekends are likely to book up quickly!
Once you have a date confirmed get in touch with me or the CHSF team. We’ll be able to help with t-shirts and collection buckets.
When that’s sorted, gather your friends and family and work out shifts for the whole day ensuring you have someone available to cover each open till point.
On the day itself, chat to the customers and remember to thank them for their donations.
Don’t forget to take lots of photos to share with us and most importantly have fun!
Keep reading for more top tips to ensure your next bag pack goes without a hitch…
Bag Pack Top Tips
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Arrive in plenty of time for the start of your allocated time slot
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Bring any confirmation you have from the store and the authorisation letter from us if the store has asked for it!
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Ask the manager if you can display any CHSF banners – this lets shoppers know who you’re fundraising for
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Spread out and cover as many tills as possible
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Make sure your team take regular breaks, but ensure any money collected isn’t left unattended
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Be nice and polite to customers at your till – even if they decline your kind offer to pack their shopping
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Wear your CHSF t-shirts with pride and be sure to chat to shoppers about why you’re supporting us
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Thank the store staff as you leave
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For safety reasons, avoid public transport where possible when carrying large volumes of cash. If you need to catch a bus or train home, make sure you travel in pairs
Thank you!
After your bag pack there are just a few last things to do; then you can sit back, put your feet up and give yourself a pat on the back for doing such a great job!
- Say thank you to your bag packing squad and let them know how much you all raised!
- Write to the supermarket to say thank you, and let them know your fundraising total
- Tell us how you got on and pay in your fundraising!
This #FundraisingFriday our supporters prove that no matter what your age, you can always do something to give back to a cause you believe in…
Thames Ambulance Service, Grimsby
Heart Dad, Lee said:
Every month we have a station of the month award which is £250 and back in September, Grimsby station won! My work colleagues know what my son Reggie has been through and how much Children’s Heart Surgery Fund have helped – without you Reggie wouldn’t be here today.
So a big thank you to all my work colleagues for wanting to donate it all to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and thank you CHSF for your continued support.
Toni Griffiths
Heart warrior Toni held a bake sale at her school and raised fantastic £400 for CHSF!
“Toni has had five open heart surgeries so she wanted to organise some fundraising to give back to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and for the amazing surgeons and nurses that have looked after her.”
Thank you so much to Toni and every one who bought a bun or cake at Toni’s school. We really can only do what we do with the help of people just like you!
Fancy fundraising for CHSF? Fill in our Fundraiser Registration Form or get in touch with Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams to discuss your ideas on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810
We are hugely grateful to the Yorkshire Evening Post (YEP) for launching their 2020 “Have a Heart” campaign for CHSF!
Here’s a list of YEP campaign launch articles online, they are a great read!:
- Campaign Launch: read all about the YEP’s backing of CHSF – and our plans for 2020
- Ruby Varley: the Varley family pay tribute to the care they have received throughout their 10-year journey with heart warrior Ruby
- The History of CHSF: The YEP take a look at key moments throughout the charity’s 30+ years championing congenital heart disease
- Heart dad Paul Goodwin becomes CHSF Chair of Trustees: Read all about Paul and daughter Martha
- Myles Wood: For 8-month-old heart hero Myles, the Congenital Heart Unit is the only home he’s ever known, read his story here
Together, we are calling on people across the region to help the 22,000 patients with congenital heart disease who are treated by the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit every year!
And the YEP will be publishing regular articles throughout the year both in print and online to support the cause.
It goes without saying, but your donations are absolutely crucial to help keep the Heart Unit beating strongly for the future.
And to promote Wear Red Day, the YEP posted this series of articles online to inspire the region:
- Jess Mitchelmore: 4-year-old heart hero Jess wrote a letter to her school asking them to take part in WRD
- Imogen Honeybourne: Seacroft-based Imogen (3) inspired her dad’s office to support CHSF, read her story!
- The day of Wear Red Day: It’s over to you – please turn the city red!
- Wear Red Day aftermath: the charity is buzzing following the big day, please send in your donations!
And here’s a gallery of printed versions of the Yorkshire Evening Post articles for you to read.
Click on them to expand: