![Banner. [Right] Fundraiser Philippa as a baby in hospital 1991. [Left] Fundraiser Philippa now - brown shoulder length hair, smiling.](https://chsf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/PipsTurning30-BANNER.jpg)
Adult heart warrior Philippa wanted to make the last year of her twenties one to remember. She also wanted to use her big 30th birthday to raise funds for two charities very close to her heart.
Today, on her 30th heart anniversary, Philippa tells us a bit more about why she wanted to fundraise…
By Philippa Barraclough
I was born on 13th August 1991 with two holes in my heart and an interrupted Aortic Arch. At one week old I had open heart surgery. It was also my brother Isaacs’s 5th Birthday.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were a new charity back then and they supported my Mum and Dad by offering them a room to stay in at Killingbeck hospital whilst I had my surgery and whilst I recovered.
This allowed my parents to be closer to me during a time when they weren’t sure if they would be able to bring me home.
The charity has grown over the past 30 years into an amazing support network for families like ours. They ensure the whole family is looked after and given the support they need.
Over the past year (the last year of my twenties) I have counted my daily miles.
I have walked and cycled on a bike in my garage to complete over 1184 miles. At first, I did the distance between Bradford and Lands’ End. Once I completed that challenge, I dwalked and rode the distance between twelve different rugby league clubs.
I also write a blog [www.pipxar.com], so I used this platform to write about Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and to talk about the amazing work they do.
I had been in contact with the charity before now, so I knew Lisa (Senior Community Fundraising Manager) already. But getting to know Lisa more and learn about the charity has been wonderful.
Finding out how CHSF continued to work through the COVID-19 pandemic and looked at new ways of being able to continue with supporting the families on the ward and to help their fundraisers stay motivated has been great.
Lisa and I had regular catch ups during my fundraising; my blog posts would be read before I posted them. Lisa gave me so much help to ensure I was able to push for my target goal of £3,000.
All I wanted was to raise awareness for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and BHF as they both do so much to support people like me. It’s been a nice way to celebrate turning 30!
Philippa has shown an incredible dedication over the last year. Setting herself an ambition target of £3000 amidst a pandemic, Philippa has smashed each challenge she has set herself.
She has been a fantastic, inspirational voice for all our heart warriors and truly shows the sky is the limit for what you can achieve! Thank you Philippa. Happy Birthday, and a very Happy Heart Day from all of us at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. #BecauseOfYou
Inspired to fundraise for CHSF? Got an idea but not sure where to start? Drop us a line to chat!
Get in touch with Lisa on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
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