Myself, Paul and Arthur have decided to run the great north run in 2022 to raise funds for CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) a charity who have been instrumental in saving my son, Albie, who was born with a congenital heart disease defect, complete AVSD.

On the 22nd September 2021, Beth and I received the news that Albie would need open heart surgery in the first few months of his life, which as a parent was devastating to hear. The staff at the Freeman in Newcastle were incredibly supportive to ensure we did not worry and were a real strength to us at this time, offering 24 hour support and facilitating everything we needed at home. As positive as the staff were initially about his condition, sadly Albie soon started to deteriorate and on the 3rd November was admitted to hospital for the 2nd time, but on this occasion it was due to his heart failing causing fluid to build up around his vital organs. This would mark the start of 6 long weeks in hospital, as Albie was unable to leave until the operation was complete. The pandemic and all the effects it has had on the nhs was clearly evident, with infection control measures limiting the staff to what they could or could not do, only heightening the worry as parents and also the staff. Due to these strains, Albie’s operation was cancelled 7 times and on some occasions only a couple of hours before it was due. I can only imagine the pressure this was having on the staff at the Freeman as you can clearly tell they were devastated in delivering the bad news, very apologetic for circumstances out of their control, however no matter how frustrating it was, we knew deep down that Albie was in the best possible hands and they continued to do their very best for Albie and everyone on the ward.

We’re incredibly fortunate and grateful to say that Albie is recovering well, and whilst we can’t rule out future operations, we have no doubt that the staff at the Freeman (surgeons, doctors, nurses, cleaners, social workers etc) are quite literally, the very best at what they do. They work under incredible pressures and do it with a smile on their face to reassure patients and parents. This working culture needs protecting and as much support as possible to maintain their status as a centre of excellence, because they are quite possibly, in my opinion, the North East’s proudest achievement.

The accommodation at Scott house was a blessing and when speaking to worried parents who had travelled from all over the UK and Ireland to be at Scott house, it was clear this space was worth it’s weight in gold. This also needs funding and support to continue its great work.

We would really appreciate any support that you can offer to this life changing charity, every penny you donate helps a child and family in very difficult circumstances.