Leah and Brad found out the 20 week scan that their daughter, Mabel, had Coarctation of the aorta, a large Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a smaller left side of the heart. She had open heart surgery at five days old.
Now Mabel’s family are taking on the Leeds Inflatable 5k to raise funds for CHSF, to say thank you for the care they received.
“Mabel was born in December 2025, but our heart journey began much earlier. At our 20-week scan, we were told that Mabel had serious heart problems. Like the 13 babies in the UK who are diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) every day, Mabel would face challenges from the very beginning of her life.
“From that moment on, we were cared for by the amazing team in Leeds, and throughout our journey there were many charities that supported us. However, the charity that made the biggest difference to our family was Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
“When Mabel needed open heart surgery, they gave us a place to stay near the hospital, providing us with so much more than just accommodation. We had our own private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living space and laundry facilities – a safe and comfortable place to stay close to our little girl while being so far from home.
“They also helped ease the financial pressures of our stay by providing money for washing facilities, toiletries, food and other essentials. Their kindness didn’t stop there. Mabel received a Katie Bear, a medal and a certificate to celebrate her incredible bravery after open heart surgery. Her big sister, Delilah, was also made to feel special with a Super Sister sibling certificate.
“Throughout our stay, Katie Bear paid visits with gifts, and the charity made sure Christmas was magical despite everything we were facing. On Christmas Eve, they brought presents for us and both girls, and on Christmas morning we woke up to huge bags of gifts waiting outside our door. During one of the hardest times of our lives, CHSF brought comfort, joy and hope when we needed it most.
“What many people don’t realise is that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund does so much more. They provide things like home heart-monitoring devices, training for cardiac staff – the list goes on. They are not a government-supported charity, so everything they do is only possible thanks to donations and fundraising.
“Quite simply, we couldn’t have made it through our journey without them.
“This is why on 20th June, me, Brad, Alicia and Kenisha will be taking on a 5K Inflatable Run to raise money for the incredible Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
“We want to give something back to the charity that gave so much to us and helped carry our family through the toughest chapter of our lives. Every donation will help CHSF continue supporting children with heart conditions and their families, providing practical help, comfort and care when it is needed most.
“Thank you for supporting us, supporting Mabel, and helping other families facing a similar journey. Every mile we run is for Mabel, and for every child and family who needs the support of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.”
A huge thank you to Leah, Brad, Alicia and Kenisha who are taking on the 5K Inflatable Run to raise funds for CHSF tomorrow! Please sponsor them if you can! www.justgiving.com/page/leah-rattenbury-1
A donation today helps us continue providing practical, family‑focused support to babies like Mabel and their loved ones throughout treatment and recovery.
Please help us continue to support more families who need us.
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