Once heart dad Rick’s son Mylo was safely at home after open heart surgery, he knew he wanted to do something big to say thank you to the people who saved his son’s life.
And when we say ‘big’, we actually mean a 50 mile ultramarathon for CHSF! 🤯
We asked Rick to tell us a little bit more about his fundraising and why he chose to take on his challenge for CHSF…
We were told before my son Mylo was born that he had Tetralogy of Fallot, along with only one kidney.
At the time we were completely devastated and scared at the thought that our child would need potentially lifesaving surgery.
We felt completely alone until we were given information about how many babies each year are born with congenital heart defects and felt reassured reading other people’s stories online.
Mylo is now doing extremely well after having his surgery in March of this year.
Rick holding Mylo after his surgery
“…the support provided by the charity is such a great help when dealing with the unimaginable worry and stress…”
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund initially helped us by providing information about what to expect for Mylo, and us as a family.
Then they helped us during our stay in hospital by providing accommodation for us to stay in, meaning we were never away from the hospital and Mylo. They also helped in countless other ways with all the things they provide to the hospital wards.
We decided to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as the support provided by the charity is such a great help when dealing with the unimaginable worry and stress of your child having this kind of operation.
Three close friends and I have recently completed the Calderdale Way Ultramarathon. 50 miles in total with as much elevation as going up Ben Nevis, twice!
My daughter and my friend’s children also joined us for the last half mile of our challenge which made it even more rewarding.
Rick’s daughter Rainey and friends on Wear Red Day
My family has also been helping raise money too with my daughter Rainey and her classmate Billy approaching their headteacher to ask to have a fundraiser on Wear Red Day.
Mylo’s grandparents and our friends have also raised around £700 at their pub!
We asked Rick if he had any advice that he would give to anyone thinking of fundraising for CHSF…
Let people know your story. People are much more likely to support your cause if they know it has personally impacted you and your family.
We found a lot of donations came from people who didn’t know us but had read our story.
It was only during our stay at Leeds hospital that we realised how much Children’s Heart Surgery Fund did.
Accommodation, specialist medical equipment, toys, games and even a fish tank (which Mylo loved so much we had to buy him one!) supplied by the charity.
We cannot thank CHSF enough for everything they do.
And we can’t thank YOU enough Rick for taking on this incredible challenge for CHSF and of course all your generous friends and family!
An outstanding £2645.00 raised on your JustGiving page that will go straight to supporting heart warriors and their families, just like yours! #BecauseofYou
Mylo loved watching the fishes on Ward L51
Take on a challenge of your own
Check out our virtual challenge ideas. Keep yourself healthy and active and support CHSF at the same time by getting your nearest and dearest to sponsor you online.
Got your own idea for fundraising or want to discuss how you can get involved in other ways?
Get in touch with Senior Community Fundraising Manager Lisa Williams on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810