Our supporters really are the bee knees. This Fundraising Friday we celebrate the amazing heart warrior Minnie and her amazing friends and family as well as Kady, who tells us just how easy it is to set up a Facebook Fundraiser for CHSF…
Minnie Mac’s Fundraiser
Minnie’s parents, Alex and Tara said:
Since being in hospital after Minnie’s birth for a few weeks and all the care we received from the staff at Leeds, we felt it only right to give a little back.
We are so thankful for everything, we reached out to our friends and families to see if they wanted to help.
Total funds were raised through such a mixed bag of events. Sponsored slim, a bake sale, donation from a union, sale of knitted items, church donation from a lovely family and we also held a fundraising night at a local pub, The Healdfield.
We had a raffle and an auction on the night for everyone who was in the pub, and as thanks we had a little sing song. Myself and a couple of my friends entertained the masses for a few hours.
We are so thankful to everyone involved at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
It is a charity that will forever touch our hearts for what you have done to help our daughter and we hope this money goes a little way towards helping you!
Thank you so much to all of Minnie Mac’s friends and family for this incredible fundraising on behalf of CHSF.
Kady Wood: Facebook Fundraiser
I can’t thank Children’s Heart Surgery Fund enough for everything they have done for our little girl Florence who is now 18 months old. Florence was born a healthy baby and then at 2 weeks old we were told she needed heart surgery – like most people, we didn’t have a clue about this charity!
Everything that has been done, even down to the Katie Bears that you get after surgery – all absolutely amazing!! I wanted to give a little back and that’s why I put the birthday fundraiser on Facebook and was truly shocked at the donations from family and friends! It’s a great way of raising a bit of money for such an incredible charity, will definitely do it again next year! Once again thank you for everything ❤️
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
A trio of dedicated Brownies raise valuable funds for CHSF!
Abby, Lauren and Lottie are members of the Harden Brownies.
The brownie leaders wanted the girls to achieve their fundraiser badge and they had the freedom to do this for any charity.
The girls were in no doubt they wanted to raise money for CHSF. This is because Lauren had open heart surgery when she was just 10 days old at the LGI.
Lauren’s mum, Sara, said:
So from being an extremely poorly little baby, Lauren is now a very strong and happy Brownie raising money for CHSF!
And Katie bear is still a very important teddy in Lauren’s bedroom, one she is very proud to have.
And thank you to the CHSF – the work you do makes an incredible difference.
To earn their fundraising badges the girls decided to do a bake sale after school and raise vital money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. They did an incredible job and raised an amazing £163.25! Well done!
Want to do something more for CHSF? Have a fundraising idea but don’t know how to get started? Go to our ‘Get Involved‘ page for more info or Register to Fundraise now!
This week’s #FundraisingFriday heroes show us that you can raise money for CHSF in so many ways. Whether it’s sponsoring football kits or asking for donations at a birthday party – how could you raise vitals funds for Yorkshire’s hearts in 2020?
Cumberworth Football Club
Michael Mannifield, Cumberworth JFC Secretary said:
Our football club is the heart of our community and as such we like to give back to those people that support the club on a yearly basis. We operate with 18x junior teams and 4x senior teams with over 300 players registered with the club.
As part of our commitment to supporting others we reached out to members to see if anyone had benefitted from a local charitable cause as we were in a position to donate monies towards them.
One of our U16 players and one of our sponsor’s children experienced first hand the excellent work CHSF do and nominated them as charitable partner for the upcoming season. This was unanimously agreed by our managers and committee.
Therefore we dedicated the sponsorship of our 2019-20 alternate kit to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and donated the money we would have asked a local business for to them – £500. We hope that this donation helps improve the quality of life the charity supports and we hope to help them further over the next 2 years.
Team Dunnett
In June 2019 Jack turned 18 and whilst celebrating his milestone birthday we decided to raise some more money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
This was done by donations on the door at his birthday party and a raffle. CHSF support so many families and we experienced that support 18 years ago when Jack was born and we will always be grateful.
Thank you so very much. Ian & Anne Blakeley.
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
A big thank you to everyone at Puddle Ducks for their amazing support throughout their charity pyjama week.
Three times a year, Puddle Ducks hold a Pyjama Week, where swimmers attend lessons in their pyjamas and learn vital lifesaving and personal survival skills.
During the Autumn term’s ‘Pyjama Week’, young swimmers and do this whilst raising money for charity by giving voluntary donations at Puddle Duck’s pools, or through raising sponsorship for taking part.
Wearing pyjamas during swimming lessons, is about more than just having fun. Most accidents happen whilst a child is fully clothed, and so Pyjama Week gives a great indication of what this would feel like. It helps a child realise that they will feel heavier, but they will still be able to do the important life-saving manoeuvres like kicking to the surface and reaching for the side.
Fay from Puddle Ducks said:
Many of our little swimmers have received treatment from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and have been supported by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, so being able to give back is just wonderful!
I would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers and their families who have collected sponsorship money and donations to support our fundraising, and raising an enormous £4,734 is just simply amazing.
We are so incredibly grateful to Puddle Ducks and all the families who took part in Charity Pyjama Week. The awareness and funds you raised for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is simply outstanding and we can’t thank you all enough.
Want to do something more for CHSF? Have a fundraising idea but don’t know how to get started? Go to our ‘Get Involved’ page for more info or Register to Fundraise now!
Friday is here again and as the weather turns colder why not read about this week’s amazing fundraisers to warm your heart? An extra special shout-out to Mary, who has been supporting CHSF since 1989!
Mary Riddington
A huge thank you to Mary Riddington who has been supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund since 1989!
Mary used to run a luncheon club and organise fundraising to support CHSF.
She now, instead of gifts for birthdays and Christmas, kindly asks for donations to the Charity and recently CHSF’s Lisa and Andy paid her a visit to say thanks!
Thank you Mary for all of your continued support, which is much appreciated.
Phillip Hunt
Phillip recently took part in the Skegness Beach Motorcycle Race. We asked Phillip what inspired him to raise money for CHSF…
We chose to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because our first grandchild Arthur Scott was born with a Tetralogy of Fallot, a form of congenital heart disease. He’s had a full repair at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
This is our way of giving something back for all the wonderful care they gave him and his mummy Claudia, through a difficult time. ❤️.
Thank you so much for your family’s support, Phillip! We can only do what we do because of people like you!
Charlotte Hughes & Coral Walton
We decided to support CHSF as in November 2015 we found out that my precious baby boy was going to be born with a broken heart and need surgery within his first week of life.
He spent a few nights in PICU and then moved onto Ward L51 and the staff were amazing and explained everything to us! They were there to chat to if we needed anything, also a big thank you to Eckersley House where we sta yedfor nearly 3 months.
Weld a charity fun day event for CHSF to give back what you guys gave to us! Because of you my son is still here today
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
At Children’s Heart Surgery Fund we love to celebrate supporters who have gone above and beyond for CHSF and every month we select a new fundraiser to shout about!
Everybody say ‘hello’ to Reggie and Honey-Rose…
We spoke to Reggie’s mum, Michelle Aslin who told us a little bit more about the duo’s fundraising achievements!
Back in August we held a fun day in Grimsby which had lots going on – face paints, bouncy castles, a charity football game. The police even came with armed officers, a boat and the the police dogs! On the day we raised money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and three other charities – one being the charities that supports Eckersley House.
Reggie’s dad, Lee, did a skydive in September alongside Reggie’s sister’s friend Amelia.
We absolutely loved planning the fun day. Although it was quite stressful it was so worth it and we are already planning our next event now.
We would definitely recommend going for it if you have thought of doing some fundraising. It can take quite a long time and lots of effort but get the kids to bed and plan with a glass of G&T haha!
We decided to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because without the charity we wouldn’t have been able to be with our children or meet other families going through the same journey as us. Plus the support from all the staff at CHSF is the best!
CHSF was able to help both my family and Honey-Rose’s family stay with our children during their surgeries – they helped provide vital toys and DVD players to keep them entertained whilst they were recovering. But most importantly if it wasn’t for CHSF we wouldn’t have the theatres or hospital equipment to give our children the chance.
To Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – there are not enough thank yous, not enough hugs in this world to give you for making our journeys a little easier. The events you hold so our children can all come together are just so lovely. To see all the warriors dancing and loving life is the most magical thing ever. Each member of staff is an angel and we love you all. Thank you so much.
Because of you our worse times were made easier ♥️
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.
This #FundraisingFriday is a fantastic example of how our amazing supporters are using their hobbies to raise more for CHSF! What could you do?
Adam Stones: Crown Green Bowling Competition
Adam said:
We found out at Leigha-Mae’s 20 week scan that she had heart defects and from that moment on the team at LGI were absolutely fantastic.
Over the remainder of the pregnancy and up until Leigha’s first operation at the age of 2, we were swept up with the world of complex heart defects. Leigha is doing really well, and this is a testament to the service from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. With that in mind, I was determined to do my bit for the cause.
I play Crown Green Bowls competitively, and know how lucrative competitions can be, so I took it upon myself to plan and organise a competition to raise money for CHSF.
The planning and organizing, and the day itself was hard work, but well worth it! I ran a raffle, sold food and drinks on the day (which mostly had been sourced through donations locally), and I managed to drum up some sponsorship from local businesses and generous donations from friends and family.
I had set a personal target of £1000. To achieve and surpass this by 50% is amazing and I am still overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.
Poppy & Molly: Bake Sale
Sarah Cookson, Director at Switalskis Solicitors, came along with her daughters to Switalskis monthly networking event.
They baked cookies, flapjacks and chocolate muffins to raise funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and to go towards their Girl Guide and Brownie badges.
The girls raised an amazing £70, which could cover the cost of 7 Katie Bear teddy bears!
Wow! A huge well done Daisy and Poppy! Thank you so much for your incredible fundraising. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund can only do what we do because 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
Join our xmas collection!
It will soon be that time again when we look for donations as Leeds gets busier with Christmas shoppers.
We are looking for volunteers to come and help us out at our Christmas Collection on Friday 6th December 2019 at Leeds Train Station. CHSF need bucket collectors to help out in 2 hour slots between 8am-6pm.
Calling all musical people of Yorkshire!
Are you a budding singer? A member of a local choir, or part of a band? Would you like to help Children’s Heart Surgery Fund this Christmas?
CHSF are also looking for choirs, bands, musicians, buskers for our Christmas Collection!
Think you could help out? Get in touch with CHSF Events Manager Charlotte on events@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
It’s Friday at last and what better way to kick-start the weekend than to celebrate more of our super supporters. There are so many ways you can raise money for CHSF and this week’s #FundraisingFriday champions show you how it’s done…
Job Centre, Leeds Eastgate
The team from Leeds Eastgate Job Centre paid a visit to CHSF HQ to pay in their fundraising. The team said:
We chose to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as one of our colleague’s, Naomi Wilkinson, has been attending the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit with her daughter since she was born.
Olivia was born with half a heart and without the unit her life would be very different. She has just started high school which is amazing! Naomi and her family have been through such a lot and we wanted to support a charity that is now close to all our hearts.
Hopefully the money we have raised through taking part in Kapow! and our ‘Made with Love’ event will help other families in the future.
Fantastic effort guys! What a wonderful thing to do for a colleague – you should all be very proud! Thank you!
Friends & Family of Alfie Brownridge
Alfie’s Mum Samantha said:
We supported CHSF by asking for donations instead of presents at Alfie’s christening. We chose Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as Alfie is 7 months old has had two open heart surgeries at the LGI.
Thanks to your amazing charity we have stayed in accommodation you provide, used the extensive equipment used on the ward and at home which has been funded by CHSF – and all the support you give families going through a difficult part of their rollercoaster journey. Also not forgetting Alfie’s Katie Bears, sat pride of place!
We thank you, CHSF, so much and our generous friends and family!
A huge thank you to all Alfie’s family and friends. Your donations will go straight back to helping children just like Alfie treated at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
Lee Aslin
Lee did the skydive this September for CHSF. Lee came along to Oxford Place this week with his son Reggie to see the CHSF team and pay in his incredible fundraising!
Lee said:
I did the skydive to say thank you to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because without them the chances are my little boy, Reggie, wouldn’t be here today.
Thank you so much Lee! We are so so grateful you chose to raise funds for CHSF. Everything we do is because of people exactly like yourself! #BecauseofYou
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
This #FundraisingFriday our supporters get musical and show us that anyone, no matter your age can raise awareness and start fundraising for CHSF!
Young at Heart Concert
Organisers Peter and Jane Wallbank said:
We decided to hold a concert in the village hall to give the talented young people a chance to perform in front of an audience.
The reason we chose to raise money for CHSF is because we are friends of Lois, whose daughter Amelie was born with half a heart. We sing with Lois in Cononley Singers, who have raised money through concerts for CHSF in the past.
Above: Lois and Amelie Brown, Jessica Smith (singer), Peter Wallbank (organiser), Liz Brown (secretary)
Lois spoke at the beginning of the concert about the charity and about Amelie’s heart problems. Amelie raced back from playing hockey to sing a couple of songs and Lois accompanied her on the piano.
The audience appreciated more about the work of the charity after hearing what Lois had to say. We had some fabulous raffle prizes donated from local businesses, which helped us to raise a superb £724!
You can read more about the Young at Heart Concert in the Keighley News here.
Laney Law-Smith
Laney wanted to raise money for the CHSF because she thought it would be good to help all the people with special scars like hers.
Laney and her little sister made paper hearts and heart cards and sold them along with some heart teddy bears.
Wow! A huge well done Laney – thank you so much for your incredible fundraising. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund can only do what we do because of people just like you!
SKANWEAR
It was a delight to meet the team at SKANWEAR who have kicked off their fundraising journey by raising £564! They raised funds through traditional in-office fundraising such as dress down days, bake sales and cheese and biscuit afternoons!
Corporate Partnerships Manager, Laura Baker said:
As their brand is all about saving lives I can’t imagine a better partner for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
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