On Friday, March 29th, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm, Ultra Tax Ltd is set to host a Football Tournament Fun Day at Wellfield School, Wingate, dedicated to raising funds for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).

Ultra Tax Ltd needs your help. We are looking for 56 players (adults, male and female) to make up 8 seven-a-side teams to compete in the tournament, requesting a minimum donation of £5 per player to take part in the tournament, which can be collected on the day. Contact details are at the bottom of this post for more information on how to register your interest in taking part in the tournament.

The Gourmet Grill will be in attendance providing food etc. for sale for the event, who are also donating to CHUF. Thank you for your support.

Prince’s Disco & Karaoke will also be in attendance with two bouncy castles for the use of children, as well as bringing along their popcorn and candy floss machines, who are also donating to CHUF. Thank you for your support.

There will also be sweet and drink stalls, cake stalls and CHUF merchandise all for sale for all monies raised to go towards the Children’s Heart Unit Fund.

This event holds a special place in the hearts of the three Directors of Ultra Tax Ltd, as they are intimately connected to the cause through their 8-year-old cousin, Lennox Knight.

Lennox's journey has been one marked by resilience and strength. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, he spent the first 373 days of his life at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, undergoing numerous treatments. Lennox faced his first major heart operation at just three days old, experiencing five cardiac arrests within his first 12 days. His inspiring courage and determination have been a beacon of hope for his family, including his three brothers, Riley, Cole, and Dalton, as well as his parents Laura and Jordan, surrounded by a loving circle of extended family and friends.

Lennox's story, while heart-wrenching, is a testament to the power of love and support. Currently awaiting a life-changing heart transplant, Lennox has been living at the Freeman Hospital for the past 17 weeks. Despite facing complications, including a recent diagnosis of osteoporosis due to long-term heparin use, Lennox continues to show incredible resilience. His mother, Laura, shared a recent update on 10/01/24, highlighting Lennox's strength through the challenges he faces daily.

"My poor boy is finally starting to recover from the worst couple of days. Lennox has been complaining of back pain, and after many tests, we discovered he has developed osteoporosis caused by long-term heparin use. Lennox handled it like an absolute trooper. His wait for a heart transplant is growing harder, but he never fails to amaze me with his strength."

Lennox, separated from his brothers and father, Jordan, during Christmas, spent the holiday season at the hospital with his mother, Laura. The family remains hopeful that Lennox will be home well before the next Christmas. Despite the challenges, the support from the hospital staff and CHUF has been invaluable, offering comfort and care during these difficult times.

Expressing their dedication to the cause, one of the Directors, Ellen Drewett, hopes that with the support of her colleagues, friends and family, they will raise an incredible £2,500 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund. This will fund ward visits from the team at Make Me Sparkle for an entire year. They provide fun face painting for Heart Heroes and offer parents and carers treatments such as facials or a massage providing a few moments respite and well-deserved pampering without needing to leave the ward.

Connor Thubron said, “I am excited to take part in our event to raise money for CHUF. It might be a tough challenge but the children in the heart unit go through much tougher challenges. Raising money to help a local charity that supports such important work feels fantastic.”

John-Ross Thubron said, “I’m doing this because the work CHUF does is so vital, contributing funds towards life saving heart surgery at the Freeman Hospital. As one of only two hospitals in the UK performing heart transplants for babies and children, I’m very proud to be supporting the charity.”

To pledge support to Ultra Tax Ltd’s fundraising event in aid of CHUF, please donate via this Just Giving page, or attend the event where buckets will be out for collection.

About CHUF:

The Children’s Heart Unit Fund supports the children and families who receive treatment by the Children’s Heart Unit based at Freeman Hospital and the many hospitals providing care for cardiac patients throughout the North of England by raising vital funds for large and small pieces of equipment, facilities, aftercare, salaries and research. CHUF’s charitable activities however go far beyond that of providing medical equipment and personnel. The Charity provides holistic care to the children by providing services and facilities that allow heart children to develop their skills and mature as any healthy child normally would.

For more information about the event, or if you wish to volunteer at the event, please contact:

Ellen Drewett

ellendrewett@ultratax.co.uk