After heart warrior Otis received two life-saving heart surgeries at Leeds, his family and friends knew they wanted to do something to thank CHSF.

‘Otis’ Orsome Walkers’ were formed to take on 1 million steps in March 2023…

“Otis Bryher Knight was born on Christmas Eve with Transposition of the Great Arteries, and he was immediately rushed to the LGI.

 

“Three weeks later, after two life-saving operations, he came home. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided accommodation, practical care, support and advice to Otis’ mum and dad, Mariella Hunt and Tim Knight, during their toughest times.

 

“It helped both our families to know that the couple’s needs were being recognised, while Otis was under the care of the medical team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

“We soon reached 1 million steps so aimed for 2 million! It was great fun… and the best part was working together as two families!”

“‘Otis’ Orsome Walkers’ are a team of made up of The Hunts, with Cherrelle Wynter, and The Knights with Nicky Wallwork. We all enjoy walking to some degree, so ‘March in March’ last year seemed the best challenge we could do as a team to raise some funds for CHSF.

 

“We also wanted to thank the charity as soon as possible in 2023 for the awesome care given to Otis and his parents in their time of need.

“We organised ourselves through a WhatsApp group and tallied up our weekly steps. Our motto was ‘Let’s Get Otis treading!‘. We soon reached 1 million steps so aimed for 2 million!

 

“It was great fun to do, and possibly the best part was working together as two families to promote our walking and get donations. Family and friends were super generous!

 

“Otis is now doing really well, and we are all reassured to know that the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and CHSF are there for him and his parents. They do an amazing job, and we are all thrilled that we can help other families who need support through our fundraising efforts.”

Join #TeamCHSF and march 1 million steps in March!

Getting involved couldn’t be simpler – get the family together and between you walk 1,000,000 steps during the month of March, just like Otis’ Orsome Walkers!

Grant’s Jump for Joseph

Grant’s Jump for Joseph

CHSF supporter Grant Houldsworth is dad to heart hero Joseph, and is taking part in our 15,000ft Skydive to thank "all the people who played a part in saving my son’s life". When Joseph was a week old, the family  found out he had Coarctation of the Aorta and two...

Luca’s Story

Luca’s Story

When Luca was born, mum Emma and dad Michael discovered Luca had a very loud heart murmur. The day after, they were transferred from Jimmy’s to the Leeds Children’s Hospital for a heart scan. It was then when they received the congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis...

Running for a Reason: Louise

Running for a Reason: Louise

Bradford-based adult patient Louise McCormick received open heart surgery aged 7 at Killingbeck Hospital. Now 41, Louise celebrated her 40th year by completing an enviable set of running fundraisers for CHSF in 2024. She isn’t taking her foot of the pedal this year...