Jay and his wife Natalie decided when their son George had heart surgery in March that they wanted to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
While George was staying on the children’s heart ward, mum Natalie, said…
“The longer we spend here the more I notice the stickers from Children’s Heart Surgery Fund on so much of the hospital equipment used to help the babies and children.
“Also on things used by parents daily, such as: breast pumps, fridges, freezers, microwaves, water dispensers…so so much is provided by the charity to help save children’s lives and make the parents’ stay here (no matter how long or short) that little bit more comfortable.
George was born with a heart condition called Transposition of the great arteries and underwent life-saving open heart surgery in March this year.
“Even the room me and Jay have been lucky enough to have while we are here is provided for by the charity ❤️
“Any donation, no matter the amount, goes to the most amazing and much-needed cause, thank you.”
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Dad Jay set out organising a huge challenge – he and an awesome group of friends were going to take on the formidable National Three Peaks.
The National Three Peaks challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales. Jay and his friends chose to complete the peaks within just 24 hours.
The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) with a total ascent of 3064 metres (10,052ft). The total driving distance between the peaks is 462 miles!
This amazing group planned their challenge for May, but as if this wasn’t enough Jay also organised a Fundraising Day at their local pub to encourage more donations. The Fundraising Day alone raised a fab £2,205!
When he first set up his JustGiving page, Jay said:
“My little boy is currently undergoing treatment for a heart condition ‘Transposition of the great arteries’. This involves open heart surgery within the first two weeks of life.
“The moneys raised will help towards buying new life-saving equipment for other babies in his position, helping parents through their journey to help with things such as accommodation in hospital and many other contributions.”
Thanks to the amazing generosity of friends, family and loved ones, they have raised a whopping £5,155 for our heart unit, patients and families. This incredible donation is vital in supporting more patients like George who are living with a congenital heart condition in our region.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a serious heart condition in which the main artery which should arise from the right side of the heart comes from the left side, and the artery which should arise from the left side of the heart comes from the right side.
TGA is a congenital heart anomaly that usually requires surgery within the first few weeks of life.
Watch the video above to find out more about George’s heart condition. This video was funded by CHSF.
CHSF Community Fundraiser Lauren said:
“I had the privilege of meeting Jay, Natalie and their beautiful son George only a few days after his open heart surgery.
“Jay and Natalie were certain that they wanted to give back to CHSF after seeing all the support the charity gave them throughout their stay at the Congenital Heart Unit in Leeds.
“I’ve been in awe of their determination and amazing planning to fundraise.”
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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