We feel blessed to have such amazing fundraisers generating much-needed money for our tremendous cause. Find out what this week’s stars have been up to below!

Glee Club – Scarlett Bedford

Scarlett Bedford has a vocal coaching business and also runs a musical theatre club called Glee Club in Woodlesford, Leeds for kids aged 4-16 who like to perform.

She held a “Glee Event” to raise money towards her friend Tracy’s forthcoming skydive for CHSF. Scarlett explained:

I chose to support CHSF as my friend (Tracy Massey) is a clinical Perfusionist at LGI and she told me how valuable their support is and how the equipment they have funded makes a difference to the children and their families.

We know Tracy is hugely proud of your fundraising, as are we  – thank you so much!

The club is based in Oulton, and you can see more of them at

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Supermarket Bag Pack – Lucy Williams

Lucy Williams organised a bag pack in her local supermarket, and said:

I chose to support CHSF because of the amazing work it does to support children and families born with congenital heart defects. This charity is amazing and helped us so much when my daughter was in hospital at 6 weeks old having open heart surgery. Without them we wouldn’t have had any accommodation to stay with our daughter whilst she recovered :).

We chose a bag pack as it was our first fundraising event. Everyone was so generous and interested in the CHSF and what an amazing job they do! The bag pack was a success and managed to raise £600!

Fantastic work everyone, and don’t you all look great in the matching t-shirts!

Jewellery Stall – Toby Johns

Toby Johns organised a CHSF stall at Hill House School Fayre. He makes amazing heart bracelets and necklaces which he sells to raise money for CHSF.

Toby’s Mum Carol told us:

Toby wanted to sell his necklaces and bracelets at his school summer Fayre to raise money for CHSF because he’s seen the benefits of their support and wants to help them support more children like him.

Wow! We’re so impressed with young folk like Toby getting involved, especially as he’s been driven by his own experiences. What a superstar – we think he has a great career ahead.

Skydive – Jemma Brown

And finally, Jemma Brown did a Skydive for us on the June 30 and told us:

My little boy needed surgery at 13 days old in Jan 2017. The support we received was amazing. I’ll be forever grateful.

No amount of money could express our gratitude. I’m pleased I’ve been able to at least do something to show our support back. Xx

What an achievement Jemma, lots of love to the family and thank you for taking to the skies for CHSF!

Big thumbs up to everyone mentioned this week – we can only do what we do #BecauseOfYou! If you’d like to be featured here, please do get in touch at bravehearts@chsf.org.uk – we can’t wait to hear from you!

What an amazing group of community and corporate fundraisers we’ve got for you this week. Find out what they’ve been up to below!

Total Warrior – Phoenox Textiles Ltd and E3 Recruitment

Christie Lanquetin and her colleagues at Phoenox Textiles Ltd (left) braved Total Warrior on June 23 at Bramham. Christie said:

“Team Hug Rug couldn’t have thought of a more worthwhile cause to suffer the Total Warrior course for – it was really hard work at some parts but the battle was nothing to those that face the battle with congenital heart disease everyday. We look forward to raising money for this amazing cause next year.”

Laura Rogers and her E3 Recruitment colleagues (right) also took on Total Warrior at Bramham, but on June 24. CHSF is close to E3R’s heart as Marketing Manager Laura’s daughter Jessica was born with heart block and has had heart surgery at Leeds LGI. She told us has experienced first-hand the great work the charity does and the positive impact it has on the young patients and their families.

Huge thank yous to both teams!

Charity Haircut – Freya Beckett

Freya’s Mum Jen told us:

Freya decided to support CHSF after her younger sister Lottie, age 2, was referred to Leeds with Cardiomyopathy. She wanted to raise some money to say thank you and decided to do a sponsored haircut.

Freya then donated 10 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust. We are so grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff on Ward 51 who supported us through such a difficult time.

We’re incredibly grateful to Freya for doing such a brave charity act!

Bun Sale – Pontefract Badger Sett

Lorraine Hague, West District Youth Officer said:

Pontefract Badger Sett consists of children aged 7 to 11 and are the youngest part of St Johns Ambulance.  As part of their Caring Badge, they had to raise money for their chosen charity.  One of the Badgers has close connections to the Leeds Heart Unit and we decided to raise the money by holding a Bun Sale. The parents were very supportive and generous.

On a personal note, myself and my family did the Super Hero Walk as we also wanted to raise money for this charity because of this brave Badger.

We’re very glad you all took inspiration, thanks to you and all the Badgers!

Sponsored Walk – Friends and Family of Finley Clayton

Finley’s mum and dad organised a sponsored 73-mile “Barnsley Boundary Walk”.  Mum Rachel said:

Our son Finley, was born with a hole in his heart and when he was 2 he required open heart surgery to repair it. The whole experience was quite emotional. Had it not been for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund providing accommodation for us to stay in at the hospital and personal touches for Finley, such as little toys, sticker reward charts, blankets etc, it could have been a traumatic time.

We can’t thank them and all of the hospital staff at Leeds General Infirmary enough for everything they did and the care they provided.

We agree, the Unit are incredible, and so are you guys. Thank you!

Wedding donation – Steve and Jo Cockayne 

And finally… Steve and Jo recently renewed their wedding vows. Jo told us:

Following the birth of our grandson Eren, we were to find out he had congenital heart disease, Tetraology Of Fallot (TOF), with other complications. Eren’s mum Zoe and our family were devastated.

Without the wonderful retired Mr Watterson we would not have our beautiful grandson today. My husband Steve and I renewed our wedding vows on June 2 and our kind and generous family and friends donated to CHSF at our request.

What a lovely gesture, and congratulations to you both!

Big thumbs up to everyone mentioned this week – we can only do what we do #BecauseOfYou! If you’d like to be featured here, please do get in touch at bravehearts@chsf.org.uk – we can’t wait to hear from you!

July’s Fundraiser of the Month goes to the man behind an inspirational charity bike ride – his name is Ashley Bell! Read on to find out more!

In July last year, Ashley’s daughter Iris underwent open heart surgery to have a mechanical valve fitted – aged just 5 months.

Iris was born with a congenital heart condition called mitral valve regurgitation and stenosis, meaning her heart was leaking causing pressure on her lungs and becoming larger to compensate.

Thankfully the surgery was a success, and Iris is healthy and growing as normal one year on.

To raise valuable funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), Ashley set up the

– a 100-mile cycle ride from Horncastle to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) where Iris was treated.

He thought at one point it might be just a handful of people taking part, but the list of riders who wanted to join him kept on growing.

On June 2, Ashley and

completed the challenge and the fundraising total has exceeded all expectations.

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There’s more detail on Ashley’s motivation for the event in

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Ashley also organised lots of other events in the lead-up to the big day including – work colleagues’ waxing and head shaving, supermarket bag pack, powerlifting competition “Lift for Iris”, hamper raffle, local collections and raffles, cake sales, bonus ball draw, dress down days at work and a car boot sale.

He gave this advice to anyone considering a big fundraising event:

Decide on a fundraising idea but allow plenty of time before the event to promote, use social media to help publicise and engage the local community.

And Ashley told us how CHSF specifically have helped Iris and the family during this turbulent time:

CHSF are big donors of Eckersley House which accommodated us during our time at LGI with Iris. This was vital as living 100 miles away this could have meant a lot of expense in finding somewhere to stay. Oh, and of course Iris receiving her Katie Bear, medal and certificate will help us to explain to Iris about it all in years to come.

A massive thank you Ashley, and to your family, friends and colleagues – the fruits of your fundraising work will significantly improve the care and treatment of other patients with congenital heart disease.

If you’re looking to get involved with CHSF,

or give us a call if you want to organise your own event and need help.

If you’d like to share your story, please

or visit our

Happy Friday! Here’s a group of community fundraisers who’ve recently supported Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Find out what they’ve been up to below.

Little Hearts Ball – Casey O’Neill

Casey, Zach and Freddie came to visit us last week at our new office with an amazing donation from their Little Hearts Ball. A huge thank you to Casey for organising the ball and to everyone who attended, donated and provided raffle prizes. Casey said:

“CHSF came into our lives the day Freddie was born, always present within Ward 51 and making a tough journey that little bit easier. Having put myself and Freddie’s dad into accommodation we could stay as close to Freddie as possible which was very comforting to us.

They also presented Freddie with a medal, certificate and CHSF bear after his operation. Although he was a baby and had no idea, this was a special touch for his Dad and I and shows every patient is thought about.

On behalf of myself, Freddie’s dad Zach and of course Freddie himself I’d just like to say thank you to CHSF for being there to evolve the ward, provide extra equipment no matter how big or small and being a friendly face when our family really needed it. We’ve just celebrated Freddie’s 1st birthday and without the charity, we may not have. So thank you a thousand times over. “

A huge well done for the ball, and thanks for the lovely words – it was great to see you in the new office!

Hull 10K – Des Roberts

Des ran the Hull 10k in support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Des said:

“My 6 month daughter Lillie Maie Roberts was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. She had heart surgery in April.

I decided to enter the Hull 10k to raise money for CHSF to give something back to all those who helped Lillie lead a normal life. Thanks to LGI and CHSF.”

Well done and thank you Des!

Sponsored Hair Shave – Sophie White

Sophie did something very brave for CHSF last weekend and shaved off her hair.  Sophie said:

“The reason I did the head shave was because when I was pregnant with my son we found out that he had Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) and required 2 operations when he was born.

He is now a happy healthy almost 6 month old little boy with a beautiful scar down his chest. I wanted to do the head shave because I wanted to give something back to the people who were so supportive when we were in Leeds at the most difficult time of our lives and one we will never forget.”

Thank you so much Sophie, you’re both absolute heroes!

Bake Sale – Class 3A, The Enfield Centre, Leeds City College

Gloria and her class mates held a bake sale and organised some computer gaming sessions to fundraise for CHSF.  Mr Spencer said they all did a great job and came together as a team to make their fundraising a success!

Jessica Livett & son Billy Rhodes

Last but most definitely not least, Billy Rhodes popped by the CHSF office with his mum Jessica and great grandma and grandad with an amazing donation. Jessica said:

“Billy’s family have raised the money on behalf of CHSF because we received great care, support and accommodation, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you all for your amazing donations and for travelling from Sheffield to see us.

Thank you Billy and family for your fantastic fundraising!

Big thumbs up to everyone mentioned this week – we can only do what we do #BecauseOfYou! If you’d like to be featured here, please do get in touch at bravehearts@chsf.org.uk – we can’t wait to hear from you!

Roll up, roll up! It’s time for another Fundraising Friday. This week we have four fantastic fundraisers who’ve been busy taking part in some exciting activities…

Asda Kingswood – Hull

Community Champion Geoff Brown from Asda Kingswood Hull organised a walk from Whitby to Scarborough with colleagues to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and neonatal charity Bliss.

Geoff told us he wanted to get involved as his colleague Elaine Key’s grandson Lewis needed heart surgery. He continued; “Lewis is now 4 and a bundle of joy!”. Well done to all twelve walkers who took part.

Mark Barton

Mark Barton took part in a Boxing For You event organised by Left Jab Promotions to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. He decided to get involved as his son Reggie is living with

. Mark was supported by his colleagues at Wakefield Audi, Sytner Audi and Sytner VW,  throughout his fundraising. Mark said:

“I am delighted by the support given by my colleagues at Wakefield Audi and around Sytner Group. Sytner really is the best company to work for! Also a huge shout to Sean Reynolds and the team at Left Jab Promotions, I couldn’t have done this without their support, both emotionally and with the highly successful Boxing4You event! Finally, of course, the great work done by CHSF has helped secure my son Reggie and thousands of other children’s futures thanks to their work with the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary”

You can see Mark holding the cheque in the centre of the picture with our Community Fundraiser, Lisa!

Ride For Iris

Ashley Bell, along with his colleagues and friends, cycled 100 miles from Horncastle to Leeds to raise funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. They named the event ‘Ride for Iris’ after h

is daughter Iris had open heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary

. Their hard work meant they smashed their fundraising target!

Well done to everyone involved and a huge thank you to The FireHouse Gym Leeds for supporting and allowing the cyclists to use their facilities after the race.

Rachel and Friends

Rachel Clayton, along with family and friends, organised a sponsored walk, following the Barnsley Boundary Walking Route. She became involved in fundraising after her son Finley had open heart surgery. Rachel said:

“The whole experience was quite emotional but had it not been for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund providing accommodation for us to stay in at the hospital and personal touches for Finley, such as little toys, sticker reward charts, blankets and so on, it could have been a traumatic time. We can’t thank them and all of the hospital staff at Leeds General Infirmary enough for everything they did and the care they provided.”

Rachel, her friends and family completed the 73-mile walk in 3 days and exceeded their fundraising target!

Thanks again to all who’ve been busy fundraising for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. We can only do what we do #BecauseOfYou! If you’d like to be featured here send an e-mail to bravehearts@chsf.org.uk

It’s time for Fundraising Friday! Each week we like to celebrate our fantastic supporters and showcase their fundraising efforts. Read on to find out what they’ve been up to!

Jackie Green – North Lincs. Half Marathon

Jackie took on the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon to raise funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF). She said:

“Inspired by our beautiful baby girl, Lake Richardson, On the 6th of May, I ran the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon to raise funds for CHSF. Last year, at 11 months, Lake had surgery to repair a large VSD. The surgery was successful and we are hopeful that Lake won’t require any further treatment. We feel incredibly lucky and will be forever thankful to the Doctors and Nurses in Leeds, particularly Dr Jaber, and CHSF who supported us and Lake’s twin brother (Seth) during her stay. Lake is a kind, funny and headstrong little girl and has made an amazing recovery. We would like to also thank everyone who sponsored me to run the race (even more of a challenge on one of the hottest days of the year!) and helped me to raise just over £1000!”

Newman Stewart – Royal Wedding Party

Staff at Newman Stewart hosted their very own Royal Wedding party, complete with food games and more. Their British-themed banquet went down a treat and they collected donations for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. They said:

“We decided to support Children’s Heart Surgery fund as it’s a local charity providing much-needed help and funding to children and their families. An employee at Newman Stewart championed the cause, having seen the work of the CHSF first hand and knowing the real difference they can make. We’re excited to be a part of that.”

A big thank you to both Jackie and the staff at Newman Stewart for your support! Thanks for sharing your words and pictures. We can only do what we do #BecauseofYou! If you’d like to be featured here, please do send us an e-mail to bravehearts@chsf.org.uk.

In this week’s Fundraising Friday we have an amazing 6 fundraising stories from both overseas and much closer to home! Read on to find out what they’ve been up to (in no particular order)!

The Croughan family

Lisa and Paul Croughan took on the challenge of the Blackpool Marathon, inspired by their son Callum. Lisa said:

Paul and I were overwhelmed by the professionalism and dedication of every member of the care staff that looked after Callum whilst he underwent surgery. Knowing that they rely heavily upon funding for both large and small necessities we decided to give something back and collect sponsorship by doing the Blackpool marathon.

All three popped by the office to hand over their amazing donation, a huge thanks for your support!

Hannah and Liesel Gower – Bake Sale

Hannah and Liesel attend St.Gilgen International School in Austria and held a bake sale in support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Hannah said:

We were delighted to raise so much money from selling cakes, cupcakes, rice krispie cakes, my mums millionaire’s short bread, macaroons and chocolate chip biscuits. We also did a count the smarties in the jar game and that was really successful. The maths teacher won.

Sending a huge thank you all the way to Austria from everyone here! Danke schön!

Sarah Harris – The Three Peaks

Sarah walked the Three Peaks over 3 days, only six months after her most recent heart surgery. She raised £1,000 for the

. Absolutely awesome Sarah – a young superstar if ever we saw one! Well done you!

Shadeen Staniland – Sponsored Walk

Shadeen organised a sponsored walk with family and friends for CHSF and explained:

We have done a sponsored walk every year for the past 3 years to raise money for Leeds Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. My little girl Esemai had heart surgery at 14 days old in 2015 and it is our way of giving a little back as we are eternally grateful.

Thank you Shadeen for your amazing support!

Charlotte M – London Marathon

Charlotte recently ran the London marathon on behalf of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. She said:

The London marathon was something on my bucket list and when I got in I always knew I would raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. They did so much helping my goddaughter Ella-Mai when she had heart surgery, so it was a no-brainer! It was the hardest thing I’ve done but was so worth it, and I’m hoping to get in again next year!

Thanks for your support and congrats for completing the marathon Charlotte.

Walker Morris – Royal Buffet

Last but certainly not least – Walker Morris staff got together to organise a fantastic Royal-wedding themed buffet and collect donations for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Thank you for your on-going support – it looks like everyone had a right Royal time too!

What a stunning array of stories, showing how our charity not only has local support, but international donors too. Thank you to everyone, we can only do this

!

Would you like to be featured here? Send us an e-mail to

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Being in the hospital can be scary and stressful, especially when it’s an unpredicted event. We spoke to two patients of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, who found that by using the psychology and counselling services whilst in hospital, they could get the right support when they needed it.

Dr Rachel Avison, Senior Clinical Psychologist, also shares her thoughts.

Leah’s Story

“In December, I went to Leeds in an ambulance, which was very scary. It was also sad knowing that I would be away from my family for 6 weeks. I needed emergency heart surgery. Luckily, everything went well and I’m very grateful for my surgeon, Miss Van Doorn, who was amazing.

I made a very good recovery and was out of intensive care the next day and out of bed the day after that. The nurses were also amazing and really kept me going.

The whole journey felt like it took forever.

But, to anyone reading this in a situation like mine I just wanted to say that talking really helps!”

Rachel says:

“Being in a hospital and a long distance away from family, friends and pets can be very tough. It is great that Leah felt supported during her stay and encourages others to talk if they feel able to.

Being worried or sad in the hospital and not telling others can be a very isolating experience. It often helps people to know that difficult thoughts and feelings in the hospital are normal.

Temporary distress is actually a psychologically healthy response to an adverse event. With the right support and an opportunity to talk things through in confidence, worries and sadness do begin to pass.”

James’ story

“I was recently back in hospital as an inpatient for the first time since my original open heart surgery at 3 weeks old. Whilst in the hospital I had a stroke which caused paralysis on my left-hand side. It was incredibly scary.

My parents and I have always had a very positive attitude to everything we do and I try not to let my heart condition affect me, so I was determined to get the use of my left side back as quick as possible.

Luckily I now have normal use of my hand and I can walk again, however, the experience did shake me and at times it was difficult to be positive.

Rachel and her team at Leeds were incredibly helpful to me in the hospital and continue to offer their amazing support even now I am home.

I would recommend that if you are going through a tough time it is worth talking to a member of the team about how you are feeling.

At first I was unsure, but to be honest I was surprised how uplifting it was. It is definitely worth it and it meant that I was able to get back to my old self.”

Rachel says:

“Being admitted to hospital unexpectedly can be an extremely frightening experience. On top of this, some patients do encounter further challenges which can be overwhelming.

It is understandable that James struggled to be positive following his stroke but he remained mindful of the impact of his mood on his overall health and I was impressed by how willing James was to give talking a go.

As James says, sharing personal thoughts and feelings with a trained professional outside of your family or friends can feel different initially.

However, doing so allows the necessary time and space to process traumatic memories and identify strengths that can be used to overcome challenges.

Since hospital, James has done very well to return to college and back to the things he enjoys, well done James!”

Remember if you need to get in touch with the Leeds Congenital Heat Unit’s counselling and psychology service, you can call them on 0113 3926796. It’s #BecauseOfYou that this service is an established support service for our patients.

We’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to our amazing supporters, the £500,000 target for their Keeping The Beat appeal has been reached – with Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club giving the breakthrough donation of £7,500.

We’re also excited that the news has made the front cover of today’s Yorkshire Evening Post (May 15th).

and also view

,

and

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Keeping The Beat is a fundraising campaign, launched in May 2016, to raise £500k towards a new children’s heart theatre at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).

And don’t worry – If you still have money to send in specifically for this campaign, there’s still plenty of equipment to buy so please contact us!

This revolutionary facility will be used to treat babies and children with congenital heart disease (CHD) by delivering both open heart surgery, and heart procedures by cardiac catheter (keyhole surgery).

Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club presented CHSF with the target-breaking cheque on May 15. The moneys were raised by members, partners and friends in response to an appeal by Dick Wood, President of the Club, and his partner Maggie Ablitt, who had made Keeping the Beat one of the main charities for his year in office.

Dick Wood said:

The Leeds Congenital Heart Unit is such a wonderful facility at the LGI which has actually impacted on me personally. I have had, within my own family, cause to thank the Unit for effectively saving the life of a very young relative. Without their help and expertise, she may otherwise not have survived her illness. The whole club and I are over the moon that the target to build the new theatre has been reached, and that Wakefield Chantry were the ones who got them over the line.

Since the campaign launch in May 2016, countless supporters, individuals, businesses and organisations have fundraised for the appeal which will go towards vital theatre equipment.

Many of the donations have been honoured by way of a fundraising tree displayed outside Ward 51 – the children’s cardiac ward at LGI.

Sharon Coyle, CEO of CHSF said:

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club, and everyone who has contributed to the Keeping The Beat appeal since May 2016. We’re on cloud nine to have reached this target within two years, and once again our supporters throughout the region have shown their dedication, generosity and passion in reaching this significant milestone. The new theatre will significantly improve outcomes for present and future generations of CHD patients in our region.

For future CHD patients, the facility will mean less invasive procedures, faster recovery times and shorter waiting times.

It is also of critical importance to the integrity of the hospital as a whole, which needs to fulfil clinical standards set by NHS England.

Carin van Doorn, Head of Congenital Cardiac Surgery said:

“The new hybrid operating theatre will allow surgeons and catheter specialists to work together during operations, which will be of benefit particularly for complex and for high risk patients. “We are thrilled to see the hybrid theatre being built now, and are extremely grateful to the CHSF and to all those amazing donors who are making this possible.”

The term ‘hybrid’ theatre describes an environment where cardiologists and surgeons can work together for the sake of the sickest of children with multiple complex needs.

It brings together the latest medical imaging techniques and the more traditional operating theatre environment to give patients the best possible treatment using state-of-the-art equipment.

Building work on the theatre has been ongoing since January, with additional funding coming from Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation, and it is due to open in February 2019!

In this week’s Fundraising Friday post, we are shouting about two more fantastic groups of supporters. Take a look to find out how they’ve been raising funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund…

Leeds DA – The Camping and Caravanning Club

The Leeds DA Camping and Caravanning Club completed a three-peaks challenge in Yorkshire. Thank you for your incredible effort and for supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Stephen & Friends

Stephen completed the Hull 5k Inflatable Obstacle course not too long ago. He said: “We had a great experience – and got to raise money for a great charity.” Huge thanks for your effort and for raising funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

If you fancy taking on an inflatable challenge like Stephen, take a look at Kapow! – the superhero-themed inflatable obstacle course this summer. Click here to find out more. And of course, if you’ve been busy fundraising, please send your photos and message to bravehearts@chsf.org.uk – we can’t wait to hear from you!