Featured in: Derbyshire Times, Worksop Guardian
A Derbyshire dad saddled up for a long bike ride to the coast over the weekend to add to the thousands his family have raised for a charity which supported them when his daughter was critically ill as a baby.
Hospitality trainer Kev Morris, 41, pedalled 150 miles to Skegness and back on Saturday, May 3, in support of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, accompanied by his dad Phil and brother Steve.
They set off from Kev’s Creswell home at around 4am and returned around 14 hours later, having successfully navigated any obstacle which threatened to derail their progress.
Kev said: “We had a lovely morning ride aside from cycling some of it in the dark. We saw the sunrise as we cycled east which was amazing, then arrived at Skegness to sunshine in just over five hours and 15 minutes.
“The ride home was just brutal though. The weather started to change just after we set off. It was windy, cloudy, raining and cold. By the time we got to Wragby the weather had started to pick up again however we were starting to feel tired after we passed Lincoln.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund eased a lot of the family’s concerns when Isabel was critically ill as a baby.
Isabel will require further heart surgery during her teenage years.
“Then there was a car crash at Tuxford, and the paramedics on scene suggested we turn around due to the road being shut. Thankfully Nottinghamshire Police asked what we were doing and waved us through after seeing our t-shirts, nobody seemed to be seriously hurt. Had we been turned back we would’ve added more miles and hours on.
“We kept going by knowing why we were doing the bike ride and knowing every marker on the way home was a step closer to home.”
Natalie said: “When I was first sent up to Leeds, no one had really explained why. It was a big shock and we were just going up there blind. There were some scary moments.
“But from the minute we were first referred, the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund looked after us. Anything we ever needed, we could ring up and there would be someone there to help We’re very thankful for everything they’ve done.”
Kev added: “When Isabel was born she was in hospital for ten days. She was the patient so Natalie and I had to find somewhere else to stay – those hotel rooms would have cost us a lot.
“She’ll need another operation in the next next couple of years to help prolong her life by replacing the pulmonary valve between her heart and lungs, but other than that Isabel’s doing really well.
“She has nonverbal autism and sensory processing disorder but her cardio doctors are really impressed with her. People don’t believe me when we tell them she’s got a complex heart condition. She’s constantly moving and her energy amazes her teachers at Stubbin Wood.”
The Morris family’s appreciation for the charity has tallied up to around £19,000 in fundraising over the past few years. Natalie running regular event stalls and Kev making an annual tradition of the Sheffield Half-Marathon.
The trio’s specially-made cycling jerseys helped them navigate a police roadblock.
Kev Morris made an early start from the family home in Creswell.
Isabel won a number of community commendations during the pandemic too with daily sponsored walks.
Natalie said: “The charity makes such a huge difference. We’ve met lots of families in similar situations, and some who have lost their children. It’s heart-breaking but the fund keeps on supporting them afterwards.
“It pays for life-saving equipment, it’s built new operating theatres, it pays for a family support worker, gives keepsakes to the children and organises family days out. The charity even pays for a fish tank at the hospital, and it’s a big moment in the child’s recovery when they’re able to walk to it for the first time.”
In a previous fundraising venture, Kev, Phil and Steve took on a one-way bike ride from Skegness so they knew the round trip would be a tall order.
Kev said: “We get together to ride about every Saturday, but this was something dad always wanted to do. I don’t know why he waited until he was 68.”
Clowne resident Phil, who works at the Bilstein auto component factory in Staveley, led from the front.
Kev said: “It started off as pub talk but then we put a date on it and started training. It took about eight weeks to get to this level. There was a bit of trepidation in the last fortnight but once we got up to about 75 miles in a day we felt we could probably manage the rest.
“Dad’s probably the fittest of all three of us. If you see him walking you wouldn’t think he’d get on a bike – he shuffles around. But stick him on two wheels and I can’t keep up.”
The trio have already raised over £1,600 for CHSF and we couldn’t be more grateful. There’s still time to sponsor them if you can at www.justgiving.com/page/kev-morris-2911
Feeling inspired? Take on your own challenge to raise funds for CHSF!
Rose O’Leary-Hall passed away in September 2023 aged just four, following a series of surgeries and treatments for the ultra-rare congenital condition Interrupted Aortic Arch, which affects only one in 50,000 babies.
Rose’s parents wanted to give something back to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and their idea of ‘Rose’s Library’ came to life.
Rose loved books and being read to, and her favourite stories made her many stays in hospital more bearable.
Going forward, Katie and Sue have teamed up with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) to provide Kindles and stories which children on the ward can read or be read to.
Physical books are not allowed to be read and re-used within the wards at the LCHU due to infection prevention, therefore, it was decided that Rose’s family would raise funds to provide a Kindle for each bedside.
Rose’s mum Sue said:
“A book is an escape, a chance to go into a different world for a short while, and it not only takes the child’s mind off being in hospital, it’s an escape for the parents as well, to spend a short time reading with their child.”
Sue and Katie began fundraising with friends and family, and local press also covered their story and donations towards books and specific stories started to flood in.
Throughout 2024 various fundraisers were held for Rose’s Library and significant donations were made, including; Leeds University holding their Staff Festival raising £900 and Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All charity donating £5,833.62. CHSF also agreed a grant towards the library.
CHSF Community Fundraiser Lauren Procter said:
“Rose’s parents and their network of funders have done an amazing job in bringing this wonderful project to fruition. Rose’s Library will make a huge difference to the wellbeing of patients and their families for years to come, and we are thrilled to see that Rose’s own story has inspired such a powerful and positive outcome.”
Heart mum Amy, known online as ‘Asphodel Moon’, is taking on the Game4Hearts challenge this year for CHSF! Amy’s daughter is now three and had open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old.
Read more about her medical journey here.
In this blog, Amy tells us how CHSF helped her during her daughter’s treatment and why she is fundraising for CHSF through our November gaming challenge Game4Hearts.
“During my daughter’s first time in hospital, having her first surgery, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided family accommodation so that I could stay in the hospital and be closer to my daughter whilst she was in the PICU and the HDU.
“The accommodation gave me a bed to sleep in, my own bathroom and they also provide a kitchen area and washing facilities for clothes so for families who are staying long term, have free access to everything they could possibly need.
“In 2021, Covid restrictions within hospitals were still in place, so we didn’t get to meet Katie Bear in the wards, however, the CHSF team sent out my daughter’s Katie Bear, her medal and her certificate to show she was an honorary member of the ‘Katie Bear Club’. We treasure the certificate and medal, and Katie Bear is a very loved member of the cuddly toy collection.
Amy’s daughter had open heart surgery at Leeds when she was just 11 weeks old. Read more here.
“I intend to fundraise for CHSF during Game4Hearts by creating The Sims content for YouTube and streaming on Twitch.
“I will create Sims and Builds that centre around a heart theme but do it in my more gothic/alternative style. I may also search for gameplay mods and custom content that allows for showcasing of medical conditions within this lifestyle simulator.
Follow Asphodel Moon online
YouTube: youtube.com/@asphodelmoon
Twitch: twitch.tv/asphodelmoon
Instagram: www.instagram.com/asphodelsims
“I’ve decided to fundraise for CHSF because without them, my time spent in hospital with my daughter during her surgeries would have been a lot more difficult.
“I wouldn’t have had the support to stay on hospital grounds during her first bigger surgery which would have meant an expensive stay in a hospital or expensive travelling to and from my home every day to be with her.
“During her second surgery, my daughter wouldn’t have received the support from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit Play Specialist, who provided much needed toys to keep a young child occupied and to also help teach them about certain parts of the procedure like anaesthesia.
“This charity deserves all of the support for everything they do for heart families through their entire journey.”
You can read full details about Amy’s daughter’s medical journey here.
Your donations ensure families like Amy and patient’s like her daughter, are empowered and supported throughout their hospital treatment and beyond.
Feeling inspired to join Game4Hearts?
We’re calling for all gamers, from novice to expert, to join our Game4Hearts virtual challenge to raise vital funds for CHSF this November.
As the nights get darker and we get closer to the cosy winter season, we are asking supporters to ‘Game4Hearts’ this November by taking on a gaming challenge!
You could:
- Set yourself a marathon challenge such as playing for 6, 12 or 24 hours
- Take on your chosen mission – set yourself the challenge of completing a chosen mission or quest within a certain timeframe.
- Take it offline completely and host a quiz or board game tournament in a local pub or cafe.
Raise £200 and receive your exclusive Game4Hearts Trucker Cap!
Player name: Jessica
Status: Heart Warrior
Challenge: 24 Hour Stream
Jessica was born with a hole in her heart, and had open heart surgery in Leeds at 8 years old.
During her time in hospital, gaming provided a huge relief, joy and distraction from her treatment and continues to play a big part in her life. In 2021, Jessica decided to do a 24 hour gaming stream for CHSF!
“I did this challenge because as a child, going in for an operation is so frightening. However the hospital put you at ease and try to make it not so scary. When I was in hospital, I remember them bringing around gaming consoles which I LOVED! This is one of the reasons why a gaming stream fitted so much for fundraising for CHSF!”
DOWNLOADS
FAQS
You can play any game on any console or PC. It’s your choice. You could even take it offline and have a board game session.
Game4Hearts player challenges are for everyone, whether you’re a casual Xbox gamer, a beginner PC streamer, or a veteran multi-console content creator. You choose what games you play and how long you play for!
If you’re attempting to play for a long period of time, you’ll need to take breaks to rest your eyes, have some refreshments, and get some fresh air.
If it’s getting too much, stop.
Yes! Streaming your challenge on platforms such as Twitch and Facebook Gaming is a great way to raise awareness and donations.
If you’re not a streamer, that’s okay too! Streaming is optional.
Many people will play solo, but others will play and fundraise as a team. You can fundraise as a duo, a squad, or even get your guild or clan together.
You can also play with someone in your household. If you’re a carer or parent, think about teaming up with your child. If you’re a young person, why not take this challenge on with your carer, parent or sibling?
Set up a fundraising page on JustGiving and choose CHSF as your charity. All donations made on your JustGiving page are sent directly to CHSF.
If you’re fundraising offline, you can make a donation via our website – see all the ways to pay in your fundraising here.
Contact events@chsf.org.uk for more details.
We are incredibly grateful for every pound you can raise for our charity and the heart patients, family and unit we support.
If you raise £200 or more for CHSF during your gaming challenge, you will earn an exclusive Game4Hearts Trucker Cap!
There is no age restriction for getting involved.
If you are streaming, you need to be 13 years old or over and if you are under 18 you need to have permission from your parent(s) or the person(s) who cares for you.
Maybe they’ll want to take part with you!
Learn how to keep yourself or a loved one safe while gaming here.
You can get in touch with the CHSF team by emailing events@chsf.org.uk or call on 0113 831 4810
Sign up to Game4Hearts
Isaac was born in November 2022 with a heart condition called Tetralogy of fallot.
Mum Leanne, tells us a bit more about her son and the fundraising family and friends have been doing in his memory since Isaac sadly passed away in April last year.
Leanne said:
“Isaac was born on 29th November 2022. He was perfect.
“We knew about his diagnosis of Tetralogy of fallot (TOF) at our 20 week scan, and this didn’t stop Isaac from spending only one night in hospital before being sent home to enjoy Christmas with us and his two brothers.
“In February 2023, Isaac started having ‘tet spells’. This resulted in the cardiology team deciding to accelerate his surgery, and his first open heart surgery took place 22nd February 2023.
Tet spells, also known as cyanotic or hypercyanotic spells, are brief episodes when a child’s skin, lips, and nails turn a shade of blue or gray due to a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels.
“Isaac’s prognosis after surgery looked great and we were moved swiftly from PICU back to Ward L51. It was during this time we first met Shelly from Family Support team at CHSF.
Isaac was born with a congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
“She helped us with accommodation so we could stay throughout Isaac’s admission, gave Isaac his first Katie Bear which we will treasure forever and helped us with financial and emotional support to deal with the whirlwind you go through watching your child have open heart surgery.
“We cannot thank the charity enough and this is why we have continued to raise money in Isaac’s name for CHSF since he passed away.”
Isaac’s family and friends have been fundraising tirelessly for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund ever since he passed away last year. They have so far raised a phenomenal amount in his memory.
“We were discharged home on 4th March 2023 with nothing but pride and honour at how well he did. We were told he would live a normal life.
“Sadly, on 18th March Isaac started to decline, and on Mother’s Day we watched our beautiful, little boy go back onto a ventilator.
“He was transferred back to Leeds and underwent a further three open heart surgeries to try and repair a very damaged heart. He received treatment in the cath lab several times that we later found out was possible through funding from CHSF.
“He was placed on ECMO to try and give his heart a fighting chance but on 6th April 00:15am we had to say our final goodbye as Isaac couldn’t do anymore to stay with us. He was so incredible, fought so hard and we love and miss him every single day.
“During our second stay we again were treated with complete compassion from Shelly. She made time to check in on us and see if we needed anything, Isaac got a second Katie Bear meaning his brothers now have one each to keep, to remember how brave their brother was.
“On the day Isaac died I will always remember that Shelly recognised we hadn’t eaten in a few days and despite me saying that we were fine, she still came with food and drinks for us knowing we would never leave our son’s bedside. This was our one and only meal in days.
“We cannot thank the charity enough and this is why we have continued to raise money in Isaac’s name for CHSF since he passed away.
“We know that other families will have better endings with their children and the ongoing work CHSF do with heart children is amazing and something we would have definitely been proudly part of had Isaac of survived.
“We have had so much love and support from our family and friends. Fundraising has given us a focus since we lost Isaac that gets us out of bed on a morning.
“So far, we have climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks, friends and family have run marathons and completed walking challenges, we’ve held lots of baking stalls, craft fairs and most recently we held a charity rugby match that we plan to repeat yearly.
“To date we have raised £22,462 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and plan to continue to raise more ongoing.
“We are so pleased to have been able to make some donations back to other families who need this support too and we will always be grateful for what we received from the charity.”
CHSF Community Fundraiser Lauren said:
“Leanne got in touch with me in June 2023. It was lovely to hear all about Isaac and the amazing fundraising plans that Leanne and her family and friends had, to honour Isaac’s memory.
“Leanne knew she had a tough target with £10,000 but I knew her grit and determination would get them there. Now, just over a year on from when they started, they’ve raised over £22,000 – which is just phenomenal!
“On behalf of all the team at CHSF, we are truly thankful for this! It will help us to continue our vital support of our world-class Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, it’s patients and their families.”
Total raised for CHSF (so far!) in Isaac’s memory
£22,462.14
Made up from some awesome individuals and businesses as follows…
£15,489.15 on Isaac’s main JustGiving page
£1,580 from Emma Moore completing Great North Run 2023 & Leeds Marathon 2024
£3,540 Dani Bushby completing Leeds Marathon 2024
£455 8 year old Max Matthews walking Pen-y-ghent in 2023
£582 Craig Walton completing various running events in 2024
£75 Stacey Fletcher planned to complete a boxing match, got an injury but still raised funds!
£165 Kirsten Campbell completed ‘March in March’ 2024
£575.99 match funding from Northern Power Grid
To everyone who has donated
THANK YOU!
Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own for CHSF? Check out our events page or contact the team to chat through some ideas info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810
Celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics with a Children’s Heart Surgery Fund fundraiser!
Go for gold and organise an Office Olympics at work or host a sweepstake with colleagues, family and friends!
Olympics Sweepstake
Cut out the events that will be featured in this year’s Olympic Games and get participants to randomly draw them from a hat. The participant whose event claims the most Team GB medals wins the prize.
Office Olympics
From ‘Bin Basketball’ and ‘Rubberband Archery’ to ‘Mental Gymnastics’ we’ve thought of it all. You could dedicate a day to go full steam ahead with celebrations or hold one event at the end of each work day or week.
Olympics Bunting
Print your own Olympics Bunting. Lots of retailers will be selling union flags and olympics decorations, but maybe you’d like to make your own to celebrate our awesome Team GB and CHSF!
Need any help or got another idea for fundraising? Contact the team any time at corporate@chsf.org.uk!
Last month, heart hero Arthur (11) took on the amazing challenge of riding from Coast to Coast across the Isle of Man!
6 years ago, Arthur had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU) and so wanted to raise money for the LCHU’s supporting charity, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF).
Why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
“We chose to fundraise for CHSF as our son, Arthur, underwent open heart surgery six years ago at the LGI.
“He was only five at the time so too young to join in with fundraising himself, but now he is older and very much into cycling, he thought it would be a good time to give something back by doing a sponsored bike ride, with the help of his Grandad and Dad!”
How have CHSF helped your family?
“When we were in hospital with Arthur all those years ago, we were struck by how many times we saw stickers on equipment (for example the life support machines in PICU) that stated it had been supplied by the charity.
“We were also extremely grateful to be offered parent accommodation on site so we could be close by during his operation – this was also supplied by CHSF. There are many other ways we saw the charity had helped Arthur and all the other children during their time at LGI.
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Arthur loves football, cricket and cycling and is excelling in Year 6 at Primary School. This year he moves up to Harrogate Grammar secondary school!
Arthur is took on a Coast to Coast bike ride across the Isle of Man to raise funds for CHSF after having open heart surgery at age five.
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Arthur cycled the 27 mile coast to coast challenge with his Dad and Grandad.
What fundraising have you completed for CHSF?
“On 15th June 2024, Arthur took on a sponsored bike ride across The Isle of Man.
“The coast to Coast ride is an ‘off road’ route along the Steam Heritage Trail – Douglas to Peel Castle, then back to Douglas – a 27 miles challenge with over 500 feet elevation gain!”
Is there any advice you would give to future fundraisers?
“Keep raising your target higher if you reach it before the challenge is complete.
“Send the details to as many people as possible – schools, sports groups, work mates, newspapers. And remind people again nearer the time!”
Is there anything else you’d like to say about CHSF?
“THANK YOU so much for all the amazing work you do helping children and their families at such a difficult time. We don’t know how the LCHU would manage without the support of the charity and the fundraising from the families.
“Arthur was very lucky to have been treated at the LGI and we are forever grateful to our surgeon Mr Jaber and the nurses, but also for all the support of the charity funding the equipment and accommodation.”
It’s so incredible to see one of our amazing heart warriors taking on such a big challenge to raise funds for CHSF. Well done Arthur – you are a true inspiration to so many CHD patients in our region. You have raised an awesome £2,400 so far! Thank you! Can you help Arthur get to £2.5K?
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CHSF Fundraising Officer Keely said:
“It is always amazing to see our heart warriors thriving and being so active. It has been an absolute pleasure to support Arthur and his family with their fundraising.
“In light of Arthur’s dedication to his fundraising, he was asked to light the D-day beacon in Pannal. Thank you so much Arthur we are all very proud of your achievement.”
Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own for CHSF? Check out our events page or contact the team to chat through some ideas info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810
Jay and his wife Natalie decided when their son George had heart surgery in March that they wanted to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
While George was staying on the children’s heart ward, mum Natalie, said…
“The longer we spend here the more I notice the stickers from Children’s Heart Surgery Fund on so much of the hospital equipment used to help the babies and children.
“Also on things used by parents daily, such as: breast pumps, fridges, freezers, microwaves, water dispensers…so so much is provided by the charity to help save children’s lives and make the parents’ stay here (no matter how long or short) that little bit more comfortable.
George was born with a heart condition called Transposition of the great arteries and underwent life-saving open heart surgery in March this year.
“Even the room me and Jay have been lucky enough to have while we are here is provided for by the charity ❤️
“Any donation, no matter the amount, goes to the most amazing and much-needed cause, thank you.”
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Dad Jay set out organising a huge challenge – he and an awesome group of friends were going to take on the formidable National Three Peaks.
The National Three Peaks challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales. Jay and his friends chose to complete the peaks within just 24 hours.
The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) with a total ascent of 3064 metres (10,052ft). The total driving distance between the peaks is 462 miles!
This amazing group planned their challenge for May, but as if this wasn’t enough Jay also organised a Fundraising Day at their local pub to encourage more donations. The Fundraising Day alone raised a fab £2,205!
When he first set up his JustGiving page, Jay said:
“My little boy is currently undergoing treatment for a heart condition ‘Transposition of the great arteries’. This involves open heart surgery within the first two weeks of life.
“The moneys raised will help towards buying new life-saving equipment for other babies in his position, helping parents through their journey to help with things such as accommodation in hospital and many other contributions.”
Thanks to the amazing generosity of friends, family and loved ones, they have raised a whopping £5,155 for our heart unit, patients and families. This incredible donation is vital in supporting more patients like George who are living with a congenital heart condition in our region.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a serious heart condition in which the main artery which should arise from the right side of the heart comes from the left side, and the artery which should arise from the left side of the heart comes from the right side.
TGA is a congenital heart anomaly that usually requires surgery within the first few weeks of life.
Watch the video above to find out more about George’s heart condition. This video was funded by CHSF.
CHSF Community Fundraiser Lauren said:
“I had the privilege of meeting Jay, Natalie and their beautiful son George only a few days after his open heart surgery.
“Jay and Natalie were certain that they wanted to give back to CHSF after seeing all the support the charity gave them throughout their stay at the Congenital Heart Unit in Leeds.
“I’ve been in awe of their determination and amazing planning to fundraise.”
Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own for CHSF? Check out our events page or contact the team to chat through some ideas info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810
Will football be coming home this summer? Or will it be another summer of heartbreak?
If you’ve got football fever then this sweepstake is just for you!
The countdown to Europe’s biggest football tournament of the year has begun.
The European Championship, commonly known as ‘the Euros’, is an international competition where teams from across the continent compete for the title of European champions.
This summer’s tournament will feature two home nations, with both England and Scotland having qualified.
Euro 2024 is being hosted by three-time winners Germany and it runs from Friday 14 June – Sunday 14 July.
The tournament kicks off at 8pm (UK time) with the hosts facing Scotland in Munich, at the Allianz Arena. A month later, the final will be held at the Olympiastadion in Germany’s capital, Berlin.
CHSF supporters can join in the excitement of the Euros by participating in our EURO 2024 Sweepstake.
This fun event allows fans to draw teams and compete for prizes, adding an extra layer of thrill to the tournament.
As the matches unfold, players will have the chance to cheer on their assigned team, making every goal and victory even more exhilarating.
Get involved with CHSF’s EURO 2024 Sweepstake and make this summer’s championship even more memorable by supporting CHSF, our world-class heart unit, patients and families. Score!If you are planning on fundraising for CHSF using the EURO 2024 Sweepstake, we’d love to know – fill in our Fundraiser Form here.
The CHSF team are always on hand to help – email info@chsf.org.uk, call 0113 831 4810 or message us on social media if you need anything!
Shane took on his first ever Marathon last month and he did it to raise money for CHSF!
Shane completed the Manchester Marathon to support his friends Dan & Lisa Taylor whose daughter Emillie was born with CHD and has had 14 heart surgeries.
We spoke to Shane and asked him a few questions about his challenge…
Shane, why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
“I had signed up to do my first marathon, but I was running out of motivation during the training and I knew I needed a ‘cause’ to focus on to push me through the difficult moments.
“For many years during university reunions I had discussed raising money for one of my best friends, Dan, who had been through a very tough time with his daughter when she was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at their 20-week scan.
“When I asked him if there was a charity that he would like me to raise money for, he suggested Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as they had been an amazing support to their family.”
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1. Shane with Dan and Lisa on the day of the Manchester Marathon 2. Shane, Dan and friends from University 3. Emillie as a baby, after just one of her first major heart operations. 4. Emillie last year, in hospital after her most recent open heart surgery with dad, Dan.
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
“Stop thinking about it and just do it!
“It is the most rewarding and special journey you will go on, as you receive messages of support from the most random of places. We received donations from people that I haven’t seen in 20+ years, and even from individuals that worked for rival firms – but they have a connection and they wanted to support the cause – it really is an uplifting experience.
“The other tip I might add, is don’t be embarrassed to keep asking for donations – I did a series of videos (which I wasn’t particularly comfortable with), that I thought might start to irritate people as I was regularly posting on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
“But each time I thought I may have exhausted the amount I could raise… even more donations came in, with more messages of support and encouragement!”
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1. Shane and Emillie 2. Fundraising Officer Keely met with Shane, Dan and Emillie for a cheque presentation at Emillie’s school 3. Emillie and mum Lisa with a ‘thank you’ certificate from CHSF. 4. Shane proudly showing his marathon medal. 5. Emillie with the ‘big cheque’.
Is there anything else you would like to add or say about CHSF?
“I knew nothing about Children’s Heart Surgery Fund when we started this journey, but I feel particularly close to them now – the support and guidance they provided throughout this experience is brilliant.
“I know there are more people behind the scenes, but from my perspective Keely (Fundraising Officer) was always available to support with advice. When we asked for help with ideas on how to really promote this to get the best response, we were introduced to Andy, who again was brilliant and knew exactly how to push the fundraising. We said we were ok to do a video where Dan would explain Emillie’s story and Olivia helped us make a fantastic video that worked really well in conveying the story and the emotion.
Even though CHSF are a relatively small charity, they have some great people that are very professional – you will be in good hands and I would definitely encourage any readers to raise money for CHSF!”
CHSF Fundraising Officer Keely said:
“Shane’s determination to complete the marathon and hit his fundraising target is inspirational. It has been a pleasure to support Shane on his fundraising journey. He has raised an absolutely phenomenal £11,475 for our heart unit, patients and families!”
Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own for CHSF? Check out our events page or contact the team to chat through some ideas info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810