Sam is an adult heart patient and recently underwent his third open heart surgery, at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).
He wanted to give something back as a testament to the amazing care he’d received whilst in hospital. Sam decided, along with his partner Victoria, to mix something they loved with raising money for charity, so chose to complete a cross-country mountain bike ride for CHSF!
Sam said:
“Having lived with congenital heart disease, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund felt like the right charity to support as I know first-hand the impact and worry it can have on not just the child living with heart disease, but on the whole family.
“When thinking about which charity to fundraise for, I learned about how:
- CHSF supports the whole family
- The Charity is based at Leeds General Infirmary, where I recently underwent my third open heart surgery
- My heart surgeon, Miss Carin Van Doorn, is a trustee for CHSF
“These things all really helped in deciding to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.”
Sam and his partner Victoria took on a gruelling 100+ mile, cross-country bike ride for CHSF – ending at the hospital that saved Sam’s life for the third time.
“Although named the ‘Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’ [the Charity] doesn’t just help with children’s surgery but also supports those with congenital heart problems just like me.”
— Sam’s JustGiving page
“My partner, Victoria, and I decided that we would like to give something back to LGI who had taken great care of me during my recent surgery.”
Starting at their home in Chesterfield, Sam and Victoria cycled all the way to Leeds General Infirmary. They were supported along the way by Roger and Tracy and were motivated by friend’s and family’s generous donations.
In a testament to their great skill and care, we felt it would be fitting to reward their amazing work by mountain biking from our home in Chesterfield to Leeds General Infirmary.
Our cross-country, off-road ride took in North Derbyshire, The Peak District, and some of the Trans Pennine Trail. The route was over 100 miles, taking in over 7,221 feet of climbing. The total ride time was 9hrs 56mins over the 8th and 9th July.
For anyone thinking of fundraising I’d say, don’t be shy at promoting your fundraising event, however big or small it is. You will be amazed at how many generous and kind people are out there, willing to support your efforts.
Regardless of the amount you raise, be very proud of what you have achieved and the difference you are making to the lives of children facing heart surgery.
Community Fundraiser, Lauren said:
“I’ve been in touch with Sam since he decided on this challenge back in February. It has been fantastic to watch his fundraising total increase by the day, and the whole team at CHSF are blown away with his final total.
“It was a pleasure to meet Sam when he ended the ride at the LGI on Sunday 9th July. He and Victoria should be very proud of themselves!”
We’re shouting a massive thank you to Sam, Victoria and all their incredibly generous family and friends.
Thanks to you this terrific pair have raised a phenomenal £9,900 for our Heart Unit, patients and families. A superb amount that will make such an awesome difference.
Thank you so very much!
Community Fundraiser Lauren with Sam, Victoria, and their supporters Roger and Tracy, at Jubilee Wing as they finish their bike ride from Chesterfield to Leeds General Infirmary.
You can donate to Sam and Victoria’s fundraiser here.
Feeling inspired? See how you can raise vital funds for our heart unit, patients and families.
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