Heart warrior Jack celebrated his 1st birthday at the beginning of April and his mum, Natalie, and the rest of their family wanted to celebrate with a fundraising day, to raise money for CHSF.
Natalie tells us a bit more about how their family was supported by CHSF and why they wanted to start fundraising…
“When our little boy was in Leeds, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided us with accommodation at the hospital. Being from Chesterfield, this took a lot of stress away from us as we didn’t have to worry about travelling to and from home. It also meant we never were too far away from our little boy while he was being treated.
“CHSF also provide vital equipment for the heart unit and without this amazing charity, the heart unit would struggle and our experience during Jack’s stay in hospital would be a different story.
Although from Chesterfield, Jack had open heart surgery at Leeds as it is the closest cardiac specialist centre.
“Without this amazing charity, the heart unit would struggle and our experience during Jack’s stay in hospital would be a different story.”
“After the help we received from the Charity whilst Jack was in Leeds, we just felt we really wanted to give something back, so that other families can continue to benefit from the same support that we got.
1. The Fun Day room decorated with helium balloon hearts 2. Balloon Heart featuring photos of Jack during treatment 3. A eye-catching poster advertising the day.
In April 2023 we held a Family Fun Day in a local social club in Dronfield. We had singers, face painting, tombola’s, a huge raffle, cake sales and an auction. The local fire brigade also came along.
The day was a huge success, lots of people attended and an incredible amount of money was raised for this amazing charity.
My advise to other fundraisers would be to get as much help and support from your closest friends and loved ones as you can and just go for it. The feeling of giving something back is just next level.
“To CHSF – Keep doing the amazing work that you all do. You don’t realise what this means to people that have received support and help from this amazing charity. We are forever grateful. We never realised what is involved and what you provide as a charity until we received help from CHSF. So, thank you all so much.”
Community Fundraiser, Lauren said:
“When Nat first contacted me back in January to confirm her plans to fundraise, I was so excited hearing everything she had lined-up. I met Nat and her Mum, along with little Jack and their family friend the week before the event and knew they were on track for an amazing fundraiser! I can’t thank them enough for the amazing amount raised!”
Jack’s 1st Birthday Fun Day raised an incredible £7,080 for our heart unit, patients and families.
Thank you to everyone who came along on the day, donated and celebrated to make this fundraiser such a success.
Feeling inspired? See how you can raise vital funds for our heart unit, patients and families
MORE FAB FUNDRAISERS
In memory of Sian Firth
written by Sian's sister, Rachael My son Samuel was born on 30th October 2014 in our local hospital. It was clear straight away there were complications, but no one was sure what they were. Following various tests, he was transported later that day to the...
Give A Bear Hug This Christmas
Help us raise £5000 this Christmas to ensure every baby and child who has open heart surgery at Leeds next year receives a precious gift from CHSF - a Katie Bear teddy!On average around 500 babies and children have open heart surgery at Leeds every year. Each one of...
Heart dad and friends take on National Three Peaks challenge
Heart dad Gareth and a group of (very!) good mates raised money for CHSF by climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in less than 24 hours! This team of terrific trekkers scaled the dizzying heights of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike all in...