After the success of last year’s event, we bring you Virtual Superhero Walk 2021!
For a second year our #SuperheroSquad don their masks and capes and journey 1km in their local area to support heart for life – with fancy dress strongly encouraged of course!
Our heart warriors and their families are our heroes and everything we do is for them. Keep cheering them over the finish line by making a donation to support hearts for life. Thank you!
Meet our awesome #SuperheroSquad…
Your Superhero Walk 2021 photos will appear here! Make sure to tag Children’s Heart Surgery Fund in your pics on social media or send them to us in a DM!
Can’t see your super selfie?
Send it to olivia.lewis@chsf.org.uk or in a message to the CHSF Facebook page and we’ll add you to our Hero Hall of Fame!
Adult heart warrior Philippa wanted to make the last year of her twenties one to remember. She also wanted to use her big 30th birthday to raise funds for two charities very close to her heart.
Today, on her 30th heart anniversary, Philippa tells us a bit more about why she wanted to fundraise…
By Philippa Barraclough
I was born on 13th August 1991 with two holes in my heart and an interrupted Aortic Arch. At one week old I had open heart surgery. It was also my brother Isaacs’s 5th Birthday.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were a new charity back then and they supported my Mum and Dad by offering them a room to stay in at Killingbeck hospital whilst I had my surgery and whilst I recovered.
This allowed my parents to be closer to me during a time when they weren’t sure if they would be able to bring me home.
The charity has grown over the past 30 years into an amazing support network for families like ours. They ensure the whole family is looked after and given the support they need.
Over the past year (the last year of my twenties) I have counted my daily miles.
I have walked and cycled on a bike in my garage to complete over 1184 miles. At first, I did the distance between Bradford and Lands’ End. Once I completed that challenge, I dwalked and rode the distance between twelve different rugby league clubs.
I also write a blog [www.pipxar.com], so I used this platform to write about Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and to talk about the amazing work they do.
I had been in contact with the charity before now, so I knew Lisa (Senior Community Fundraising Manager) already. But getting to know Lisa more and learn about the charity has been wonderful.
Finding out how CHSF continued to work through the COVID-19 pandemic and looked at new ways of being able to continue with supporting the families on the ward and to help their fundraisers stay motivated has been great.
Lisa and I had regular catch ups during my fundraising; my blog posts would be read before I posted them. Lisa gave me so much help to ensure I was able to push for my target goal of £3,000.
All I wanted was to raise awareness for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and BHF as they both do so much to support people like me. It’s been a nice way to celebrate turning 30!
Philippa has shown an incredible dedication over the last year. Setting herself an ambition target of £3000 amidst a pandemic, Philippa has smashed each challenge she has set herself.
She has been a fantastic, inspirational voice for all our heart warriors and truly shows the sky is the limit for what you can achieve! Thank you Philippa. Happy Birthday, and a very Happy Heart Day from all of us at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. #BecauseOfYou
Inspired to fundraise for CHSF? Got an idea but not sure where to start? Drop us a line to chat!
Get in touch with Lisa on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
MORE AMAZING FUNDRAISERS
CHSF corporate partners Bailoran Solicitors are celebrating their 8th birthday this year. To mark the occasion they set themselves the target of raising £8000 for CHSF.
Such a large target calls for a very big challenge! That’s why last month Team Bailoran and a group of their friends set out on conquering the formidable Yorkshire Three Peaks…
Bailoran Managing Director, John Bailes, tells us more about the team’s fundraising challenge and why they choose to support CHSF with so much dedication:
Bailoran have been a corporate partner of CHSF for several years now and we always feel engaged in their fundraising efforts and appreciated for the efforts we go to for the charity. In short CHSF make us feel special for wanting to give back, so the feeling of satisfaction is amplified as a result.
Bailoran have similar values in how we work with our clients as we are grateful for their instructions and want to help. CHSF echo this ethos in how they operate which is why we have had such a long and successful relationship.
We try to organise fundraising on an annual basis including at least one big challenge and we are lucky to have friends, family and contacts who are so generous to support this goal.
This year we aimed to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. This involved walking 24.5 miles up three peaks on what turned out to be a blistering Friday in July – for both feet and in temperature.
We invited people along who we knew well and liked a challenge. 15 of us took part and it was an amazing day.
The groups got to know each other and through adversity bonded really well. To the extent we are planning on follow up drinks as we couldn’t celebrate on the day due to the finishing time differences between the first and last group!
We had an ambitious target of £8000 and with gift aid have achieved it!
But there are more donations to come so don’t be shy of setting yourself a decent target as people will surprise you with their generosity.
CHSF’s Lisa and Ellie joined in with the three peaks challenge.
Team Bailoran and friends ready to set off on one of the hottest days of the year!
Every participant felt a real sense of achievement. Whilst most would never want to do it again, the fact we had done it gave everyone a real buzz. It has been a great motivator to do other things and believe in yourself, so there are plenty of other benefits aside from the fresh air and scenery.
I would highly recommend becoming a corporate partner of this charity as CHSF treat you as a valued friend. They are genuinely interested in your fundraising efforts and support you with ideas and merchandise to make your event special.
I find the most rewarding events are those where we challenge ourselves because: –
- There is a tinge of excitement leading up to and before the event;
- It gives you a goal to train towards;
- You experience the camaraderie with others;
- There is a sense of achievement that cannot be bought and it improves your attitude so you are much more “Can do”; and
- It tends to raise more money for the charity!
Any advice to someone wanting to get involved would be “JUST GO FOR IT”.
Caitlin, CHSF Corporate Partnerships Manager
I met the Bailoran Team after each peak with water, protein bars and sweets. On what was an extremely hot day, with little in the way of shade, the Team did incredibly well! Their team spirit and determination was admirable – go Team Bailoran!
Ellie, CHSF Fundraising Manager:
I was delighted to be asked to join the Bailoran and friends Y3P team. It was one of the toughest physical challenges I’ve ever done but also the most rewarding – and I absolutely loved it! The shared experience of walking together and tackling the peaks was so much fun and I’d really recommend it as a fundraising challenge. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and everyone who donated – you are all amazing!
Lisa, CHSF Senior Community Fundraising Manager:
What a great day it was completing The Yorkshire Three Peaks with the Bailoran Team. Everyone showed true grit and determination to battle on in the intense heat. Thank you all, what an amazing achievement which will make a huge difference to the patients and families we support.
£10,267
RAISED FOR CHSF
Feeling inspired?
Could you step up to the challenge and start fundraising for CHSF? We’ve got lots of events to choose from at chsf.org.uk/events
Got your own idea? Want to try something different? We’re always on hand to discuss your corporate fundraising email caitlin.hazell@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
More fundraising inspiration…
Superheroes assemble! After the success of last year’s event, CHSF invite you take part in our Virtual Superhero Walk 2021!
Grab your capes and join our 1km Virtual Superhero Walk. Suitable for all the family, to raise money to support hearts for life.
This year’s Superhero Walk will take place virtually on Sunday 22nd August. We want you to join #TeamCHSF and pledge to journey 1km in your local area (fancy dress strongly encouraged!)
How will it work?
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Be ready at your chosen start line at 11am on Sunday 22nd August
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Run, walk, cycle, scooter, walk the dog to complete the 1km distance…or you can go further if you like!
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Share your superhero squad photos at the end with the rest of #TeamCHSF and make it onto this year’s Hero Hall of Fame.
Take part for free
There’s no entry fee for our Superhero Walk and there’s no need to set up your own fundraiser either!
We already have a Superhero Walk JustGiving page for you to share with friends and family to gather some sponsorship.
Everyone taking part will share and donate to the same page to make this year’s Superhero Walk just as amazing as previous years and raise funds to support hearts for life!
Get the whole family involved!
Assemble your avengers and get the whole household caped up. Invite grandparents, aunties and uncles to join in? Meet another family and walk together?
You could even have a super celebration waiting for when you finish. Make a superhero playlist, bake, plan some party games!
Whatever you decide, know that you are not alone! Every member of #TeamCHSF will join forces to smash their Superhero Walk at exactly the same time.
Sign up to receive your Superhero activity pack and unique race numbers for the day, as well as a certificate and medal when you finish!
Don’t forget Fido!
Make your daily dog walk more fun by doing it in fancy dress! Perhaps your puppy has a super bandana or outfit of their own?
Some of the most special superheroes have a trusty canine friend. Maybe your favourite doggy can get involved with the day too?
Do it for the real superheroes…
CHSF Superhero Walk has historically been one of the most popular events in our charity calendar. Before the pandemic, CHSF received £6K from our amazing heart families taking part in the 2019 Superhero Walk.
It is only with your help and sponsorship, and the incredible individuals taking part in events such as this, that we can secure enough funds to keep being there for our heart patients and their families in the future.
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
You can no longer register online for the Virtual Superhero Walk but that doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the day.
Snap a selfie at your start and finish line and share it with us on social media to feature in our #TeamCHSF gallery!
Sign up for the CHSF Virtual Superhero Walk
– We ask that everyone is sponsored in aid of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. However, we are not asking for a minimum sponsorship, just that you do your very best for such a worthy cause, in these uncertain times.
· Anyone under the age of 16 years must be supervised by an adult whilst undertaking their virtual challenge.
· Participants are welcome to run, jog, walk, skip or dance at a pace that is sensible for them.
· Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs whilst undertaking their challenge.
· By entering any of our Virtual Challenges you do so entirely at your own risk and neither Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, it’s directors/trustees, staff or volunteers shall be held responsible for any injuries or other loss sustained by you before, during or after the challenge. By entering any Virtual Challenges with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund you are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions and confirmed that you are medically fit to participate.
· Entrants acknowledge that this is a virtual run and that the organisers will not track or verify results or provide volunteers, marshals or medical personnel assistance to any entrant.
· Please note that any photography and filming uploaded to the designated Facebook page may be used for current and future publicity purposes.
In Memory of Our Brave Little Man
Written by heart mum, Lindsay Brooks
John Arthur Brooks was born at Leeds General Infirmary on 28th April 2008. We were given his CHD diagnosis prenatally at 27 weeks, and although his condition was complex we decided to continue with the pregnancy and give John a chance at life.
From the very beginning John proved what a brave, courageous little boy he was who never gave up. Despite the odds stacked against him with his health, he battled on and did it with the most beautiful smile on his face.
John Arthur Brooks, born April 2008
Over the years John has had some major obstacles to overcome and as a family we’ve faced some pretty terrifying times with his health but he always pulled through with the amazing team behind him on Ward 51.
We are eternally grateful to the Heart team a Leeds, for never giving up on him.
John never complained, was always polite and charming to anyone who ever met him.
In fact he used to say he felt bad for children who were ill, or suffered and that he wished he knew how to help them.
He would worry about others and how things affected them, and he never felt he was more deserving of anything. If he was treated or awarded anything he would always ask what his brother would receive too.
He took great pleasure in giving to other people. His friends, family and charity.
In fact our New Year’s Eve consisted of a party that he would charge admission to the people who attended and we would play bingo and do raffles so he could raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
We’ve benefitted as a family from this amazing charity in numerous ways. From the parental accommodation, parents room on the ward and also the activities they have kindly donated to the ward that helped the children through their stay in hospital.
John’s Katie bear, certificates and medals are proudly displayed in his bedroom from his surgeries that the charity provided. We cannot thank the ward and charity enough for their support through difficult stressful moments.
John was a massive Lego fan. To the point of being fanatical about it. He would always ask the play specialists for a box of Lego to play with.
If he had a stay in hospital I was always sent to the Lego shop for a new set or he would look forward to a trip to the Lego shop following his check up with Dr Hares (Dr Dom).
On the morning John passed away he built an amazing little house and a model that said I love you which was kindly sent to us by the liaison nurse Mike.
John’s ‘I ❤ U’ Lego model, from the morning he passed away
So many people have loved John throughout his life, anyone who has ever met him has been completely charmed by him but he never realised it.
He was such a humble little boy. He would often ask why people liked him so much. We used to tell him it was because he is was an amazing little boy. The messages we have received from people since his death, have all remarked on his lovely smile and how he was always such a happy little boy. We have been completely overwhelmed by the incredible support shown to us by friends and family.
His wonderful Godmother Kirsty and her two daughters decided to start the Miles for JB fundraising by walking 100 miles in a month. This was their incredible way of honouring our son.
Then his younger brother’s rugby team followed on by doing a sponsored bike ride in his honour raising even more money in support of such an important charity.
There have been so many donations it has been truly amazing. We cannot put into words how thankful we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives. People who are willing to help keep the memory of our beautiful boy alive.
Although our story ended in heartache, and our boys fight had to end we are proud to support CHSF as there are many more children who can benefit from it, and John would want that.
John was our first born, the first to steal our hearts and create a love that cannot be expressed in words. Rest now baby boy we love and miss you so much.
John passed away at LGI on 12th April 2021.
John’s Godmother, Kirsty, said:
When the world loses someone so young, it’s hard to make sense of it and you feel useless to help those suffering from the heartbreak.
The girls and I did our ‘Marathon in May’ to try and do something to help, in whatever small way we could. I think it also gave people a way to show their support.
So many people generously donated and we quickly hit £1,000 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – thank you to everyone x
We were joined in the fundraising by the amazing families of the Lock Lane Under 11’s rugby team. They joined John’s dad Andy and brother Luke on a sponsored bike ride.
They did an AMAZING job and this weekend the JustGiving page hit over £4,000!
I hope we’ve done you proud JB x #MilesforJB #TeamCHSF
In memory of John Arthur Brooks
28.04.08 – 12.04.21
MORE AMAZING FUNDRAISERS…
Charity chief’s ultramarathon fundraiser for hospital heart unit which saved his daughter’s life
A grateful dad is set to run a gruelling 100km ultramarathon later this month to fundraise for a charity which supports the Leeds hospital unit which saved his daughter’s life.
Yorkshire Evening Post
By Joanna Wardill
Thursday, 10th June 2021, 4:45 am
Paul Goodwin, 53, has signed up to run the Heineken ‘Race to the Castle’ event in Northumberland on June 27 in aid of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), which supports children and families at the city’s congenital heart unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
He has been a keen supporter of the Fund after his daughter Martha, now six, was given life-saving open heart surgery at the unit when she was just six days old.
Last year Paul took on the role of chairman of trustees at the charity and now, through the ultramarathon later this month, he hopes to raise much-needed funds for the worthy cause.
Paul Goodwin, 53, will be running a 100km ultramarathon in aid of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, where he is chairman of trustees. Picture: Tony Johnson
Paul, who works for a global HR consulting firm, said:
“Our journey was made that much more bearable by the wonderful care we received from CHSF, which included accommodation and offers of counselling and job support.
“I can vouch for the incredible skill and care of the heart unit, through both my roles as Martha’s dad and through subsequent visits to the ward and intensive care unit as a trustee.”
Martha was born with a rare congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries – where the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed.
Thankfully her surgery was successful and she was able to return home just days later and is now doing well, with regular check-ups at the unit.
Paul, of Mirfield, said finding out something is wrong with your child’s heart sets you into a “tailspin” and her surgery was the “longest six-and-a half hours of my life”.
But he said within minutes of arriving at the Leeds Congenital Heart unit, CHSF had organised accommodation, car parking vouchers and offered to let his and wife Sophie’s employers know.
“All that support was in place which was great. And we started to notice other things like some of the equipment had ‘funded by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’ on it.
“All of a sudden everything clicked into place and you realise what a close partnership there is between the charity and the unit to make sure that as a parent all you need to worry about is your child.
“Everything else is taken care of.”
Paul’s daughter Martha, now six, had open heart surgery at the Leeds Children’s Hospital congenital heart unit when she was just six days old.
Martha, pictured as a new born, in recovery from her open heart surgery.
The Fund has supported the heart unit since 1988, providing life-saving medical equipment, helping families and siblings and now also providing them with holistic care and well-being programmes.
Sharon Milner, CHSF’s CEO, said:
“Paul is a terrific advocate for our charity having been inspired by heart warrior Martha, and he is incredibly passionate about our cause. To have his experience as chair of the board of trustees is absolutely priceless and we are thrilled that has chosen to take on this challenge for the CHSF.
“The Leeds Congenital Heart Unit is quite rightly regarded as a world-class centre of excellence but donations are crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes for present and future heart patients and their families.
“Please help us support hearts for life.”
To sponsor Paul, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Paul-Goodwin20
Perhaps you could take on your own challenge for CHSF? Take a look at our events page for ideas and inspiration!
MORE CHSF NEWS
After the incredible success of last year’s event, CHSF invite you take part in our Virtual 10K for 2021!
On Sunday 4th July, we want you to join #TeamCHSF and pledge to journey 10K in your local area and support hearts for life.
How will it work?
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Be ready at your chosen start line at 9:30am on Sunday 4th July
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Run, walk, cycle, scooter, walk the dog to complete the 10k distance
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Share your victory photos at the end with the rest of #TeamCHSF
Take part for free
Unlike other races, there’s no entry fee for our Virtual 10K and there’s no need to set up your own fundraiser either!
We already have a #TeamCHSF JustGiving page for you to share with friends and family to gather some sponsorship.
Everyone taking part will share and donate to the same page to make our CHSF Virtual 10K a great success and raise funds to support hearts for life!
You don’t have to do it alone!
Why not take on your 10K with someone in your household or keep socially distant and run with a friend?
If you prefer to go solo, make sure you have a celebration waiting at the finish. Why not plan a special treat to say well done for your achievement!
Whatever you decide, know that you are not alone! Every member of #TeamCHSF will be taking on their 10K at exactly the same time.
Different finish lines. Same goal.
The CHSF 2020 Virtual 10K was bigger than we ever could have expected. With over 100 racers taking part we were completely blown away by the support and incredible total amount raised – over £11K to support hearts for life!
It is only with your help, by taking part in events such as this Virtual 10K, that CHSF can keep securing enough funds to be there for our heart patients and their families. Please sign up today and ensure we can continue supporting hearts for life.
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
You can no longer register online for the Virtual 10K but that doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the day.
Snap a selfie at your start and finish line and share it with us on social media to feature in our #TeamCHSF gallery!
Sign up for the CHSF Virtual 10K
Download a fitness app to track your route and ensure you know when you have crossed your finish line!
We recommend Strava. It’s free to download on iOS and Android and lets you track your running and riding with GPS, join challenges, share photos from your activities, and follow friends.
– We ask that everyone is sponsored in aid of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. However, we are not asking for a minimum sponsorship, just that you do your very best for such a worthy cause, in these uncertain times.
· Anyone under the age of 16 years must be supervised by an adult whilst undertaking their virtual challenge.
· Participants are welcome to run, jog, walk, skip or dance at a pace that is sensible for them.
· Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs whilst undertaking their challenge.
· By entering any of our Virtual Challenges you do so entirely at your own risk and neither Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, it’s directors/trustees, staff or volunteers shall be held responsible for any injuries or other loss sustained by you before, during or after the challenge. By entering any Virtual Challenges with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund you are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions and confirmed that you are medically fit to participate.
· Entrants acknowledge that this is a virtual run and that the organisers will not track or verify results or provide volunteers, marshals or medical personnel assistance to any entrant.
· Please note that any photography and filming uploaded to the designated Facebook page may be used for current and future publicity purposes.
Heart warrior Rose was born with a very complex, terminal heart defect – Interrupted Aortic Arch. A defect that only 1 in 50,000 babies are born with.
Even before Rose was born, her family were fundraising for CHSF. #TeamRose have completed their latest fundraising feat for our charity – making their way virtually from Land’s End to John O’Groats – and they’ve raised an incredible amount in the process…
Rose posing for her #ScarSelfie in 2020
Rose’s mum, Katie, tells us about their family’s CHD journey so far – as well as their virtual journey through the length of the UK!
The cardiac unit at Leeds General Infirmary diagnosed Rose’s heart defect at 20 weeks gestation; they followed up at 28 weeks and 35 weeks with fetal echocardiogram. When Rose was born she was taken straight to the Neonatal unit and then transferred to the cardiac ward. Without this care she would have died.
When Rose was just 3 days old, she had open heart surgery lasting over 10 hours. She was in hospital for 5 weeks and then had fortnightly appointments to monitor her progress. At 9 months old she had her second round of heart surgery after which she had a stroke.
Rose had significant brain damage to both hemispheres and was left paralysed on her left side. Rose will face more surgery when she is 4 or 5 years old and will need recurring care for the rest of her life.
I have vivid memories of being in PICU with Rose and seeing Children’s Heart Surgery Fund stickers on various items throughout the ward. Ever since then I vowed to raise money for CHSF so that we can all continue to support the fantastic work they do.
Rose has a very complex heart defect and will require further investigations as she grows older. Much of the technology they use to investigate (like the new Cath Lab Hybrid Theatre) has been made possible because of fundraising by CHSF and their supporters.
After Rose’s second surgery, one of the Cardiologists mentioned that they might use the 3D printer to create a model of Rose’s heart prior to deciding which surgery to complete.
This kind of progress is incredible and will help so many individuals.
L to R: Mum Katie, Rose, Mum Sue, Brother Will
A 3D Heart Printer was funded by CHSF donations
Uncle, Ben, and grandfather, Tony with heart warrior Rose
Rain or shine, Katie completed her miles for Rose
When I was pregnant with Rose in February 2019, the school I work in held Wear Red Day. The pre-school (where our son Will attends) raised money by doing a sponsored scooter competition. Last year during lockdown my friend, Anna, and I raised £1,328 by running the Virtual 10K.
Then during the second lockdown my dad said he wanted to do a fundraiser. He was keen to raise money to help families like ours. Dad wanted to cycle a significant distance.
My brother, Ben, and I agreed to join up with him; Ben was walking, I was running and Dad was cycling the virtual distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats (1083 miles)!
Will, who is 6, also decided to get involved and ran 1km in our back garden during the final week. It was a real family event. It took us from February to May, completing the distance just in time for Rose’s 2nd birthday. To date we have raised £2279!
It is a great idea to get other people on board with your fundraising. Running with my friend Anna not only helped me speed up my 10K time but it also meant that it opened up fundraising options – her colleagues, her family and other friends.
The same thing happened when Dad and my brother joined forces this year. Dad’s golfing and cycling buddies were happy to donate because he was completing the majority of the distance for us.
My advice would be to send pictures to as many people as possible. We sent emails to as many people as we could – friends, family and colleagues. We also posted it on social media sites and sent WhatsApp messages.
When we had finished the distance, we still needed to raise another £600 so I created a video compilation of us with pictures and a couple of videos. This really did the trick – I think people like to see videos and pictures so they can feel a part of the journey.
An incredible fundraising effort from the amazing #TeamRose. Thank you for all that you do as a family for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Well done, thank you and a very Happy Birthday to wonderful Rose from us all at CHSF! #BecauseOfYou
Rose’s grandfather Tony got on his bike for CHSF!
Smiles for finally crossing the finishing line!
Feeling inspired?
Could you step up to the challenge and start fundraising for CHSF? We’ve got lots of events to choose from at chsf.org.uk/events
Got your own idea? Want to try something different? We’re always on hand to discuss your fundraising email lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
More fundraising inspiration…
Halifax Panthers star Greg Worthington and his wife Amy presented a cheque to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for nearly £10,000 after fundraising in memory of their little boy Isaac.
The family chose to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because Isaac was diagnosed with several congenital heart defects after he was born sleeping in 2018.
Amy told us more about Isaac’s story and how this inspired fundraising for CHSF:
On December 8th 2018, we had a beautiful baby angel called Isaac Robert Worthington who was born sleeping. Isaac’s heart had not developed properly, and he had many severe congenital heart defects alongside other serious health problems.
We always knew we wanted to do some fundraising in Isaac’s memory but life became busy when we had our rainbow baby, Grace, in November 2019.
Greg, Amy, Samuel & Grace Worthington
“During the recent COVID-19 pandemic we had a lot more time on our hands and thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to raise some money in memory of Isaac.”
“It was actually our friend Amy that found the CHSF charity online when she made a donation on Isaac’s birthday. She had asked where we would like her to donate and we’d told her it would be nice to find a charity which has something to do with hearts and somewhere local.”
Greg & Amy presented the cheque at Queensbury ARLFC
CHSF feature on Queensbury ARLFC’s 2021 home & away jerseys
“After looking into the charity a little more we knew straight away that this was the one we needed to support. Children’s Heart surgery Fund directly supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit which is where Isaac would have undergone lots of major heart surgery if he had been here.”
“CHSF has not helped us directly but we would have definitely needed lots of support from them if Isaac had been here. The Leeds Congenital Heart Unit kindly scanned our daughter Grace to check whether she carried any congenital heart abnormalities.”
“Over an 11 week period, we have done lots of different raffles in order to raise money for CHSF. This has all been electronically via WhatsApp and Facebook due to the current COVID restrictions.”
“Lots of family and friends have donated amazing prizes for the raffles and the support for our fundraising has been amazing.
We have done approximately two raffles per week, ranging from physical prizes to cash and scratch cards!”
“My Auntie Louise was also a big help putting the raffles on Facebook as both Greg and I are social media-phobes and don’t have Facebook ourselves!”
“A few of Greg’s rugby kindly friends donated some rugby shirts to raffle which earned some really big money. Greg also auctioned one of his own Toronto shirts which went for a whopping £1400! It was then donated back to the Queensbury Rugby club to be framed in the club house which will stand as a great memory for our fundraising.”
“My advice to anyone thinking of fundraising for CHSF would be don’t give up and continue to aim towards your goal. Little and often will all add up!”
“We would like to say a huge thank you to our family and friends who have contributed to the raffles continually throughout our fundraising in Isaac’s memory.”
“Their kindness and generosity has been breath-taking. It is through their amazing support that we have raised such an incredible amount which will support CHSF to continue their fantastic work in helping children and adults with congenital heart disease.
The charity will not only benefit from the donation but also from the awareness we have raised of all their hard work and the support that is continually needed.”
Greg and Amy Worthington
“As Mother and Father to Isaac, it is a beautiful feeling to know that he is acknowledged and that everyone has heard his name throughout our fundraising. We have been able to bring his memory alive and that has been truly heart-warming.”
Lisa Williams, CHSF Senior Community Fundraising Manager said:
Thank you so much to Amy and Greg for sharing their story and raising awareness of congenital heart disease. They have both put so much time and effort into their fundraising in memory of their son Isaac Robert.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund really appreciates their incredible donation which will make a huge difference to the patients and families we support and send a special thank you to everyone involved.
Don’t let them say I wasn’t born, that something stopped my heart.
I felt each tender squeeze you gave, I’ve loved you from the start.
Although my body you can’t hold, it doesn’t mean I’m gone.
This world was worthy, not of me, God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul, what you are forced to face.
You have my word, I’ll fill your arms. Someday we will embrace.
You’ll hear that it was “meant to be, God doesn’t make mistakes.”
But that won’t soften your worse blow or make your heart not ache.
I’m watching over all you do, another child you’ll bear.
Believe me when I say to you, that I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you, when you will hold my hand.
Stroke my face and kiss my lips and then you’ll understand.
Although I’ve never breathed your air or gazed into your eyes,
That doesn’t mean I never was. An Angel never dies.
— author unknown
In memory of Isaac Robert Worthington
Born sleeping
MORE AMAZING FUNRAISERS…
We spoke to the Brown’s about why they wanted to fundraise for CHSF – and what they got up to as a family…
We chose to take part in a Mountain in March for CHSF as its a cause close to our hearts. We decided to ‘go big or go home’ and climb the equivalent height of Mt Everest (8849m approx. 3403 flights of stairs). We all thought “why not?!” We climbed Snowdon in real life a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it…. plus after a year of on/off shielding all of us could do to move a bit more.
CHSF have played such a massive part in our family’s story. They were there from the moment we found out at 20 weeks our son Flynn had Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. Through providing both online support and as our point of contact at Leeds General Infirmary.
They fund; training for medical staff, new technology for procedures, playworkers and equipment on the ward and help massively with the parental accommodation at Eckersley House.
We have been lucky enough to benefit directly from their support in these areas throughout 3 open heart surgeries, and will continue to do so until Flynn reaches adulthood. Until then, CHSF funds our home INR testing kit to stop us having to go into doctors to test his blood fortnightly -we can do this at home.
In hindsight, we maybe should have chosen a smaller mountain as Everest is HIGH and March is LONG! However we got there in the end after a 31 day slog – with each of us completing an average of 27 flights a day. not easy when you’re sat at work/school for 6 hours a day! But we’re pleased to have finished and to have raised wonderful £220 to help others.
If you’re wondering what you can do to help CHSF – have a nosey at their fundraising ideas on the website – there will definitely be something to inspire you! We look forward to the next adventure – virtual or not.
— Stef, Max, Flynn and Elsie Brown
Fancy a challenge?
Beat the lockdown blues and get active to raise vital funds for our heart unit. For loads of ideas how you can start fundraising for CHSF visit http://chsf.org.uk/events