Despite never running a marathon before, heart dad Patrick chose to take on the 2023 Manchester Marathon in aid of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund after his daughter received life-saving open heart surgery at Leeds.
Inspired by Patrick’s determination, close friends Danny and Nick were there right by his side for all the 26.2 miles.
Patrick said:
My second daughter, Lottie, was born in May 2022 with a coarctation of the aorta and a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). She underwent open heart surgery at eight days old to correct the coarctation and will require further surgery on the VSD and an abnormal valve.
We stayed at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit for around three weeks until Lottie was deemed fit enough to come back home to Sheffield with us.
Throughout this time, the charity provided invaluable support, from funding the life-saving staff training and equipment, through to helping with day-to-day expenses and giving us the use of their on-site family accommodation.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’s support removed a lot of the stress and allowed us to fully concentrate on our baby.
Lottie had open heart surgery at Leeds went she was just 8 days old. She will need more surgery in the future.
“Not only did Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provide the unit with the equipment and training needed for Lottie’s operation, but they also helped our family through a tough, life-changing event – and continue to support Lottie and our family. If it wasn’t for their work, there’s a good chance she wouldn’t be with us today.” — team JustGiving page
When we got home, I felt that I needed to give something back and help families that will go through this same thing in the future. Despite not really being a runner (I did the Great North Run in 2017 and haven’t put my trainers back on since), I entered the ballot for the London Marathon 2023. Sadly, I didn’t get a place so looked at the next biggest — Manchester!
Three friends Patrick, Danny and Nick had never run a marathon before but the trio were determined to complete the challenge in Lottie’s name!
A lot of the fundraising was done through our friends, family and work colleagues. With my wife as our designated Social Media Manager, we put out a few posts on social too which helped drive up the donations.
We’ve got more to come that will add to our fundraising total. Both Sheffield United and the other lot…(Wednesday) have given us tickets for next season to raffle off.
The best part of taking on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon was coming round the final corner and seeing the sign for the home straight. At that point, everything from the past year caught up with me. I’ve never known such a sense of achievement.
I originally said I’d never do one again, but I appear to have got the bug!
We asked Patrick whether he had any tips for others to achieve their fundraising goal…
As long as you feel comfortable, be open and honest about your experience and your journey. It opens people’s eyes to the day-to-day challenges you have to overcome.
Another thing is to be consistent. Since we signed up to run the Manchester Marathon we’ve shared posts all year round. This means that people have also been able to follow my training – whether it’s been rain (lots), snow, frost or sun (a little). I think this has allowed people to see the dedication that goes into fundraising.
Eve, CHSF Community Fundraiser said:
“Patrick, Danny and Nick have raised an incredible amount of money by taking part in the Manchester Marathon. To help boost their fundraising they have planned other ways to help raise more money and hit their target. Organising a raffle is a great addition to asking people to sponsor you, as it gives another incentive for family and friends to donate. They are not only donating to a fantastic cause, but they might win a prize too – win, win!”
At the time of writing, Patrick, Danny, and Nick have raised an exceptional £6,459 for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, thanks to the incredible generosity of their loved ones and colleagues.
The impact of this significant contribution will be transformative in the areas that require the most support for our heart unit, patients, and families and we are so grateful. Thank you!
Today (9th May) heart hero Lottie celebrates her first birthday thanks to the dedication of fundraisers like Patrick, Danny and Nick.
The life-saving work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and the support CHSF gives to patients and their families is only possible because of you.
CHSF is wholly public-funded and receives no financial support from the government. Our charity has been supporting our region’s heart unit for 35 years and we want to keep being there for the future.
There are lots of ways you can support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. You could sign up to a challenge event like Patrick, make a one-off or regular donation, or remember CHSF in your Will. Perhaps you have your own ideas for raising money? Let us know!
Feeling inspired? Check out our Get Involved page to see how you can start fundraising for CHSF.
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