Thanks to your donations – which fund her role – Family Support Supervisor, Sarah Cherry arranged a soft play and sensory session earlier this month for heart heroes with additional needs.
Sarah told us a bit more about the sessions and why heart hero Daniela and her family particularly enjoyed them…
“Daniela spent four months in Leeds General Infirmary in 2021 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
“This was due to an unknown cardiac condition, and it happened whilst celebrating her brother’s 13th birthday, at home with family.
“Daniela went through nine rounds of CPR that day, three of which were given by her mum.
“Since then, Daniela has gone from strength to strength and recently enjoyed a trip to Florida. She is a truly inspirational heart warrior.
“Daniela and her family had the most amazing time together at our first CHSF Sensory Session.
“Daniela’s mum became overwhelmed when talking about her struggles of finding a fun activity to do with her three children.
Scroll through these photos < o > to see Daniela enjoying the soft play area with her family. This included time in the ball pit with her brothers and going down the slide with her mum.
“As she has found it difficult to find an activity which is also accessible to meet their individual needs, the family had never had the opportunity to go to a soft play area.
“This session provided a fun day for the whole family and a memory that will last a life-time.”
Sarah added:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to those families who attended our soft play and sensory session this month. We understand that all children are different, and we would like all our events to reflect this.
“This session was designed for children with CHD and additional needs. We had smaller numbers and a relaxation area, along with the hustle and bustle of the soft play zone
“We ensured there was fun to be had by everyone – even CHSF’s Eve enjoyed going down the slide!”
Visit our Family Support pages to find out more about how our team can support you and your family.
Blake
Blake's mum, Chelsea, said: “My partner Matthew and I found out that Blake had something wrong with his heart when he suddenly was really poorly on 30th September 2022. “We took him to Chesterfield Hospital to be seen and Matthew and I were told he had sepsis,...
Youth Day: August 2025
Calling all 13-16 year olds!Sign up for our Youth Day this summerWhen? Tuesday 12th August 2025 Where? Lineham Farm, Leeds [Google Maps] Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm (lunch included!)Join the CHSF team for an exciting day at Lineham Farm this summer! Meet other young people...
CHSF donates £15,000 to Eckersley House
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have awarded a further grant of £15,000 towards Eckersley House, a ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust for parents with a seriously ill child in hospital. Since being relocated next to the Leeds Children’s Hospital in...