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
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