You know the drill. It’s Friday again and with it comes #FundraisingFriday. Our whistle-stop tour of this week’s incredible supporters!

Eve Butterfield & Jenny Sykes

Eve said:

I work within the Leeds General Infirmary Cardiology Department.

My colleagues were taking part in a skydive to raise funds for this amazing charity as they work closely with children’s heart surgery team and knew I’d be up for the challenge.

I learnt about the great work the charity provide for both patients and families and had a great time raising money, particularly with the support of my children’s school (Hoyle Court Primary in Baildon) with one child so inspired by the charity he even used his own savings to donate!

To top it all off the skydive was an amazing experience that I will never forget and will perhaps have to do again in the future. Keep up the good work, CHSF!

Clowns Nursery, Clay Cross

We decided to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as it was a charity very close to our hearts.

We have a little boy in our care who has Congenital Heart Disease and also Natalie our Nursery manager has a little girl with a heart defect which has been repaired recently.

We have been able to see first hand the amazing job that CHSF do and we wanted to give something back to say thank you. We have had lots of fun raising money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund by doing lots of different things.

A summer fair, bake offs making lots of yummy cakes, pyjama days, and Wear Red Day. We will be raising more money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund again this year and we can’t wait to have lots of fun doing it.

The Goods Shed @ Dewsbury Railway Station

A huge thank you to the staff & customers of The Goods Shed, Dewsbury.

They have displayed CHSF collection tins and raised a fantastic amount over the last few years. Sadly The Goods Shed is now closed so our Community Fundraiser Lisa went out to meet Dave & Chris to say thank you for all their efforts.

St.Stephen’s Pre-School, Kirkstall

St Stephen’s pre-school took part in CHSF’s Wear Red Day last month and Lisa paid a visit with Katie Bear to say thank you!

We decided to do Wear Red Day to support Ruby and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

I’m also a part of Leeds DA Camping and Caravanning Club who also raised money for CHSF last year. oOn the day we wore red, had a cake raffle and a cake stall.

Feeling inspired to give something back and raise much-needed funds for a great cause? Get in touch with Lisa Williams, on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810 or download our events calendar here for inspiration and to see other ways to get involved.

Whether you fundraise as a team or go it alone, this weeks #FundraisingFriday picks show us how it’s done! A special shout out to Aidan who had never been on a plane until he jumped out of one for CHSF!

St John Fisher School: Wear Red Day

St.John Fisher Catholic High School took part in Wear Red Day this year and raised an amazing amount for CHSF.

The School said:

We had a Spectacular Wear Red Day on Friday 1 February, wearing red for children being treated at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Thank you to staff and pupils for their generosity and raising this fantastic amount to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Well done everyone and thank you for your support!

Aidan Geraghty: Skydive

Aidan said:

I did this skydive for my Godson/Nephew – Noah Aidan Geraghty.

He was born with critical aortic stenosis and had his first open heart surgery at just 4 weeks old and a second OHS at 5 months old.

Thanks to a miracle and the defeating of odds Noah is here today thanks to everyone at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

It’s amazing and this is why I chose to skydive. It was my first time in a plane ever and i jumped out of it. It was a thrill!

I just thought it’s a different way of me raising and giving back to you all. Just a shout out to all staff and heart babies. Amazing!

Feeling inspired to give something back and raise much-needed funds for a great cause? Get in touch with Lisa Williams, on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810 or download our events calendar here for inspiration and to see other ways to get involved.

Friends & Family of Teddy @ Quickplay

Quickplay Sport based in Sheffield and are friends & family of Teddy who has been staying on Ward L51 for a while.

Emily Zealand said:

We organised a collection over the Christmas period where friends, colleagues and family donated to this brilliant charity. A huge thank you to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund who have given wonderful help and support to Teddy’s parents, making this very difficult time a bit easier. We are glad we can support you in supporting family’s going through this.

Thank you so much to you all!

Matt Porter, Sportive HQ: Festive Fifty

Matt said:

I run many cycling events throughout the year all of which raise money for charity and wanted to achieve something on behalf of CHSF as a thank you. I set up the Festive Fifty Yorkshire ride after some discussion with my team and over two years of running the event, we have now raised well over £5000 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund! Many families throughout the region receive ongoing support from CHSF and without fundraising they would struggle to continue – remember every bit counts, no matter how big or small!

Our daughter Isabel had lifesaving open heart surgery five years ago. To mark the occasion, we decided to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. At four months old Isabel needed a full heart repair for Tetralogy of Fallot, Double Outlet Right Ventricle and Ventricular Septal Defect. Isabel turned five in November 2018. Without surgery we wouldn’t have been able to celebrate this birthday. Natalie’s daughter, Isabel Last year I got in touch with CHSF to let them know I wanted to organise a raffle alongside Wear Red Day at Isabel’s School (Creswell Infant & Nursery). I then started to approach local places to ask whether they would donate raffle prizes. I had also asked my friend, Verity, at The Little Tea Rooms in Creswell if she would also support Wear Red Day. CHSF is also close to her heart as both her niece and godson have had heart surgery at Leeds. Another friend of mine, Beth, offered a free photography session as a raffle prize. She also took photos of Isabel and shared them in blog post raising awareness of congenital heart disease in the local area. Isabel turned five in November last year Children’s Heart Surgery Fund has helped us at our hardest times. They gave us accommodation when Isabel needed surgery as we live over 50 miles away from Leeds. From staying on the heart ward, it shows how much Children’s Heart Surgery Fund care for the ward and how much support they give. CHSF don’t just fund vital equipment. They provide children with hospital television programmes at no charge. They give keepsakes after surgery. They fund the fish tank, used to distract children from the pain. We have raised money by holding raffles, nights out, coffee mornings. Isabel’s dad, uncle & grandad cycled over 75 miles from Skegness back to our home. We’ve attended CHSF’s annual Superhero Walk and Christmas Party for heart families. We volunteered at Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Isabel’s dad, Kev, was lucky enough to meet and chat to CHSF Ambassador Dickie Bird during an England test match!

We asked Natalie what advice she would give to future fundraisers…

Do something that will inspire or motivate you. Don’t worry if you only raise a small amount – every penny goes to supporting our children’s futures. A big thank you for everything CHSF does to help the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, and everything you do in supporting the families of the children affected by CHD. We are fortunate enough to have made friends for life. We look forward to supporting CHSF again!

Friends & Family of Harriet Pickersgill

Sarah, Harriet’s Mum said:

It was with great shock we learnt our happy and active 4 month old actually needed critical heart surgery. Our whirlwind journey left us in awe of all the individuals who helped us and Harriet in our time of need and to those still supporting us as she grows up. We wanted to give back and a bake sale, tombola and raffle was our way. Many thanks to all our family, friends and colleagues who have contributed!!

Terrific work guys! Thanks for your support!

International Funfairs

This year International Funfairs are proudly supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. You might have seen them at Elland Road for their annual Valentine’s funfair.

Last month, Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams met up with Roger Tuby & Stewart Robinson of International Funfairs where they donated an amazing £400.00 to CHSF!

Tom Jarman: Australia to England Cycle

Tom told us all about his amazing adventure:

I chose to cycle from Australia to England to help raise money and awareness for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. My niece Violet was born with CHD and at only 5 days old, she underwent open heart surgery and her life was saved by the expertise of the surgeons and superb aftercare by nurses at LGI who are supported by CHSF. My journey took me 23,324 miles through 28 countries and in times of strong challenges set by harsh weather, different cultures and the feeling of being alone on a long journey, I was encouraged by the thought of being able to contribute to this fantastic charity by raising awareness and funds that help those affected by CHD. To conclude my life changing journey, I pedalled up my street to my home where all my family were awaiting my arrival and Violet was there to welcome me back which was just wonderful and quite emotional! Thanks to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for everything provided to mine and so many other families who are incredibly grateful.

An amazing feat – thank you Tom! #BecauseofYou

Tanya Melnyk: Tombola

Tanya and Lewis adding to the donation tree at CHSF HQ

Tanya said:

We organised a tombola at ASDA Kingswood Hull and raised £382.70! We like to organise events to raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund when we can to help this fantastic charity that gave us so much support when we needed them, when Lewis had his surgery.

Specialised Supported Living: Donation

Making a donation with Harper Scarlet!

Lorraine from Specialised Supported Living said:

Harper Scarlet is my granddaughter and when she had open heart surgery it was a worrying time for all the family. I am a support worker in Specialised Supported Living and instead of us doing Secret Santa last year, my colleagues suggested donating the money to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. I thought this was a brilliant idea because it is a charity dear to my heart, and my daughter Lindsey and her partner Marc felt like it was the right thing to do It was lovely of my colleagues to suggest it!

Thank you Lorraine and thank you to your thoughtful colleagues!

We asked Matt about what inspired him to fundraise for CHSF. He said:

A young friend of mine, Jessica Mitchelmore had received and continues to receive help from Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and I felt compelled to see how I could help. Jess ready for the Festive Fifty! I run many cycling events throughout the year all of which raise money for charity and wanted to achieve something on behalf of CHSF as a thank you. I set up the Festive Fifty Yorkshire ride after some discussion with my team. Is it possible to do two events in two days? There was only one way of finding out! Aaaand they’re off! That was how the event was born in 2017 and it continued to grow when we launched the event again in 2018. Over two years of running the event, we have now raised well over £5000 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund!

Andrew Munden took part in Festive Fifty for the second year running and is Jess’s Uncle:

The ride went really well on Sunday, the wind was down on last year but still very much there. There was a huge turnout, way more entries than last year so a much bigger pot of funds is going to CHSF. Jess and Harry expertly set us off just before 10am, with cries of GO!, and BATMAN! – clearly taking their job very seriously. Andrew during the ride

Matt gave the following advise for any supporters thinking about setting up their own event for CHSF:

The event is now well established in the calendar and cyclists start asking earlier and earlier every year if we are going to run it, the answer is always yes and hopefully the event will continue to grow! If anyone is thinking of creating an event for CHSF, always remember that events seem to get bigger each year you do them – so keep going year on year and you will raise more funds for this great charity. Many families throughout the region receive ongoing support from CHSF and without fundraising they would struggle to continue – remember every bit counts, no matter how big or small!

Wear Red Day is finally here! And don’t worry If you can’t actively take part on the day itself, simply text

followed by

, or

to

.

Here’s 6 good reasons  – amongst so many good reasons and amazing supporters – why you should donate to this year’s event.

“We would encourage other businesses to get involved as wearing red is something which has no boundaries, everyone can take part, and the funds raised help to provide an invaluable service to children and families.”

“People should join in wear red day 2019 to help chsf because you never know when you might need them as we did. They do an amazing job and supported Leah and myself throughout the full 6 weeks we spent in Leeds General Infirmary.”

“This year I ask that on Friday 1st February 2019 everyone would help raise vital funds for CHSF by wearing red and help them help families like us. Without the suppport, funds and life saving equipment the CHSF and Leeds congenital heart unit provide babies like Hugo would have no chance of survival.”

“My cousin Logan Peter Jameson Briggs had heart surgery at LGI – when he was only a few months old he had a pacemaker fitted. The care he received was excellent so I want to raise funds for any future children who need this type of care. Sadly Logan passed away at 1 year old – his death was not related to his surgery. I carry on fundraising in his memory.”

Every penny raised helps support this amazing local charity whose work saves lives and helps the families caring for the children.

“People should join in with Wear Red Day because it’s fun, and it doesn’t cost much to get involved… less than your morning cup of coffee.”

Simply text

followed by

, or

to

.

We are so grateful for your donations. If you want to find out how your money helps care for the heart, mind, family and future of patients with congenital heart disease you can

.

A revised document featuring information from 2018 will be released later this year.

Thank you!

Friends and family of Nixon Carter: Fun Day

Nixon and his Grandma handing over their amazing total!

Jayne Wright, Nixon’s Grandma, organised a Fun Day on behalf of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Jayne said:

We chose to raise money for CHSF as we will be forever grateful for the support they gave to us in July 2018 when Nixon had his surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot.

Nixon with Katie Bear!

Receiving Katie Bear was a huge milestone as we knew he would get her once he was back on the ward!

Alicia & Millie: Christmas Crafts

Alicia and Millie hand over their big cheque!

Fiona Mettham, Alicia’s Mum told us all about what inspired the girls to fundraise:

Alicia’s little sister, Izzy, has a complex congenital heart defect which has meant lots of hospital time – and for siblings it can be really hard. When Izzy is in hospital Alicia sees how much the charity helps from the funding of medical equipment to the visits from Katie bear. Outside of the hospital, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund understands the impact congenital heart disease has on families, especially siblings, and for the last 2 years we have attended the Christmas Party, funded by the CHSF. Alicia and Izzy both get to have a day of fun and treats. Also the super hero walk is such a great family event and really gets everyone involved. Alicia and her best friend Millie (whose family have supported and continue to support us through our journey), decided whilst at brownies they would like to try to raise some money for the CHSF to help them continue their valuable work. The girls even made it onto Harrogate Audi’s Instagram page! They spent 2 weeks making Christmas crafts – everything from cards and gift tags to bookmarks and even cakes. With the support of family, friends and a very generous Harrogate Audi they sold their crafts and raised the money!

Fantastic efforts girls! Thank you so much! #BecauseofYou

Castleford YMCA: Annual donation

Geoff Robinson Castleford YMCA Secretary and Treasurer said:

The Castleford YMCA take great pleasure in being involved in this wonderful worthy cause, so much so, we have decided to give a donation annually to assist in this excellent work!

Thank you so much for your generous commitment.

Holt Doctors, a leading medical recruitment agency for doctors and nurses based in Skipton, held a Christmas competition with a difference.

Staff split into teams to decorate their desks with different Christmas themes and put it to the public to vote on their favourite.

Polar Express team, competing for CHSF

The seven teams were each competing for a different charity. ‘Acute, Regional and Anaesthetics’ put together their incredible ‘Polar Express’ themed creation in favour of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

The team said:

This Christmas, we will be supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. This is especially important to us as a child of one of our team members is having heart surgery and is supported by this charity. CHSF provides valuable equipment, resources and research, as well as providing a support service for both the patients and their families along the way.

Holt Doctors had pledged to donate £1 to the winning charity for every vote received and we were delighted to hear that our team not only won the competition, but that Holt Doctors would be donating a whopping £1000 to CHSF.

The guys from Holt popped into CHSF HQ yesterday to donated the money raised and said:

We had a great deal of fun raising this money and it feels extremely rewarding to be able to donate to such a great cause! #FUNdraising

Adding their name to the donation tree

Thank you so much to all at Holt Doctors for such a generous donation, and of course everyone that voted!