Heart warrior Gracie-Mae’s family have been fundraising for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund since she came to Leeds for treatment last year, and in her memory since she sadly passed away in September 2023.
They completed the CHSF Superhero Walk in early September and then held their own fundraising day in November – Banger Racing! Gracie Mae’s Dad, Jordan, is a banger racer, and they got all of their racing supporters to join in with this awesome fundraising day…
Gracie’s Mum Jessica wrote:
“Gracie-Mae Rengger was born on the 30th October 2022. A beautiful little lady, 6lb 4oz and full of life! Little did we know within that week we found out Gracie had Tetralogy of Fallot, a VSD and an ASD of the heart.
“Throughout Gracie’s life we spent an awful lot of time in hospital with a range of illnesses and medical conditions. She had her first heart stent operation in January 2023 followed by her full repair and discovery of an airway issue six months later.
You can read more about Gracie Mae’s story in a full account, beautifully written by mum Jessica here.
We are so grateful to Jessica for writing this and for allowing us to share Gracie’s CHD journey with you.
“In September 2023 we spent time in PICU and through a range of different findings, complications and illnesses, Gracie unfortunately passed away on the 20th September in the arms of her Mum and Dad, in the gardens of Martin House Hospice who provided end of life care.
“Gracie’s story is so big. We had people following her story from all over the world. She came here to change people for the better and she did just that! She fought right until the very end, and she taught us no matter what you do, no matter what situation you are in, NEVER give up!
“We always said we will give back and fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund who have and still are helping our situation.
“They provided us with accommodation for 16 weeks (working out roughly £700 a week if booked a hotel!), food vouchers, travel expenses so we could go home to see our son due to living 2.5 hours from the hospital…and the list goes on.
“She fought right until the very end, and she taught us no matter what you do, no matter what situation you are in, NEVER give up!“
“We want Gracie, her legacy and her story to live on, as well as to give back, so that is where our fundraising started.
“We did a massive Banger Racing day for Gracie held at Skegness Raceway raising over £2,000. We also took part in the CHSF Superhero Walk raising £350. We provided selection boxes to the children’s heart ward and PICU out of Gracie’s charity money over Christmas, as well as donating ‘Gracie’s box’ sound machines to PICU, which she was well known for.
“Gracie’s story is a tale which will never end, she has her own motto, her own wall. Everyone on Ward L51, PICU, the consultants, the surgeons, the staff nurses and everyone who helped knows her name and knows how much she really did fight!
“Congenital heart disease is real, the effects are real and unfortunately, it just beat our Gracie with all she had. However 2024 has so much to offer, with future fundraising events for CHSF in memory of Gracie. Me, Dad, Nanny Gill, Alfie, Nanny Gill & Grandad Trevor will be helping out in any way we can!
“Whenever you look in the sky and you see a rainbow, that is a sign to say they have made it to heaven. And when we see one, that’s our Gracie showing us to keep going! 🌈
Gracie-Mae Rengger
A story to tell, a legacy to carry and a name to never forget.
As well as the Banger Racing, Gracie’s family members have come together to complete sponsored walks, they’ve made generous one-off donations toward the total and lots more. In total the family have raised a phenomenal £2,625.84 in Gracie’s name in just a few short months.
We are blown away and so grateful to this amazing family who have chosen to do something great for CHSF at such a difficult time. Thank you all.
MORE FAB FUNDRAISERS
Game4Hearts: Amy
Heart mum Amy, known online as 'Asphodel Moon', is taking on the Game4Hearts challenge this year for CHSF! Amy’s daughter is now three and had open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old. Read more about her medical journey here. In this blog, Amy tells us how CHSF helped...
Game4Hearts
We're calling for all gamers, from novice to expert, to join our new Game4Hearts virtual challenge to raise vital funds for CHSF this November.As the nights get darker and we get closer to the cosy winter season, we are asking supporters to ‘Game4Hearts’ this November...
Fundraiser of the Month: Family & Friends of Isaac Phoenix Davison
Isaac was born in November 2022 with a heart condition called Tetralogy of fallot. Mum Leanne, tells us a bit more about her son and the fundraising family and friends have been doing in his memory since Isaac sadly passed away in April last year.Leanne said: “Isaac...