(Photo of Crystal Palace FC, Courtesy of Tara Hook)

In August 2020 I underwent open heart surgery to repair a defect I was born with. I am now walking to some of London’s women’s football clubs to raise money for a charity called Rebecca’s Rainbow Heart Ebstein’s Anomaly Trust and to highlight the great work of volunteers to keep women’s grassroots football alive in England.

I was born with what’s believed to be one of the rarest congenital heart conditions in the world – Ebstein’s Anomaly. I was diagnosed in my early 20s. The surgery I had is still in its relative infancy but I am fortunate to have received great care from the NHS and from a fine team of cardiologists, surgeons and doctors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

I am very lucky compared to those who are symptomatic at birth and who face significant challenges. There is very little information out there about Ebstein’s and the only support group I could find was one in Scotland set up specifically for children – Rebecca’s Rainbow Heart Ebstein’s Anomaly Trust.

It was founded by Rebecca’s mum Jane after Rebecca saw a scan of her heart when she was young. A multitude of colours showed up on it  and she said, “Look mummy, there’s a rainbow in my heart.”

Rebecca first had surgery at nine months old, and again at five years old. After several major operations she is now 14 and is doing well. The Trust helps children affected by Ebstein’s Anomaly as well as  campaigning to improve cardiac care and support for all cardiac children in the North East of Scotland.

As I continue my recovery from major surgery, the physios are now advising me to walk three miles a day to try to build up my strength. I have decided to turn that into a sponsored walk taking in some of London’s women’s football clubs.

I am very proud to have founded the UK’s ‘First Ever Women’s Football Yearbook‘ in 2017, and in putting together four volumes of the book I have learnt how – outside of a select few clubs – women’s football in this country remains largely held together by volunteers. I hope the walk will highlight their fine work and play a small part in helping to raise the profile of the many great clubs out there.

While all the money donated on this JustGiving page goes to Rebecca’s Rainbow Heart Ebstein’s Anomaly Trust I am also donating 100% of any royalties received from sales of ‘The Women’s Football Yearbook 2020-21’ to the NHS and women’s grassroots football. You can order the book direct from Legends Publishing. 

I really appreciate anything that you can afford to give – no donation is too small. Thanks so much for taking the time to read about my challenge.

Chris