Pat & Sue work with heart dad Dan Tansey at the Co-op. After hearing Dan’s story and seeing his passion for raising funds for CHSF in 2025, they felt inspired to get involved too!
Wanting to show their support, they decided to take to the skies and brave a skydive…
Pat said:
“We were inspired by Dan’s story on our work internal chat and initially planned to join him on the group dive later in the year. However due to Sue’s impending knee surgery, we had to move the date forward.
“When we started to finalise plans for the dives our younger colleagues became less enthusiastic about the prospect of throwing themselves out of an aircraft at 15,000ft!
“That left the two ‘oldies’ being the only ones still up for the challenge. We fondly called ourselves the ’69’ers’ as both of us enter our 7th decade this year.
“Congenital heart disease has also affected my own family. Two nephews and three great nephews/nieces all required surgery, so I have witnessed the feelings of hope, resilience, fear and sense of helplessness that accompany their journey to wellbeing. My oldest nephew is now 50, running marathons and other such foolish things, having undergone surgery aged 18 months at GOSH. Back then, that was the youngest they were prepared to perform an operation that is now so ‘routine’.
“We both applaud the work that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund are doing to help families through such a difficult time and were more than happy to step outside our comfort zone (literally!) to support you.
“We are both blown away by the generosity of our family, friends, colleagues, customers and local businesses helping us to raise over £3,200!”
Thank you so much, Pat & Sue, from all of us at CHSF! Your support means the world to families facing congenital heart disease in our region. #BecauseOfYou
Feeling inspired to take to the skies for CHSF?
Book your place in a charity skydive today and raise vital funds for our world-class heart unit, it’s patients and their families.
Abdul Mu’eed: Heart Month 2026
"I realised there is a whole community of heart warriors and incredibly strong parents who truly understand this journey. “There will be hard days. There will be moments of fear and exhaustion. But there will also be strength you never knew you had, love that carries...
Vincent: Heart Month 2026
“Everyone was absolutely incredible supporting us through every hurdle - there certainly were a lot! “There is no way we would’ve gotten through it without the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund team."Mum Katie, from Bridlington, said: “When Vincent was 9 days old, we were...
Leeds Abbey Dash
About Leeds Abbey Dash 10KSunday 29th November 2026 The annual event starts and finishes on Wellington Street, Leeds. The route is a flat out and back course perfect for runners of all ages and levels, with a fun atmosphere that makes for a truly memorable day. More...