CHUF's mission is to make life better for children and young people who are born with or who develop heart conditions by providing lifelong support to them and their families. CHUF supports children and families who receive treatment at the Children’s Heart Unit based at the Freeman Hospital and the many other hospitals providing care for cardiac patients throughout the North of England.

In summer 2019 Abigail was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a hole in her heart. It was a fairly sizable hole and was already starting to impact Abi’s health in ways we hadn’t even realized. In December 2019, just weeks before the pandemic hit, Abi had a device fitted to close the hole via cardiac catheterization, avoiding invasive open heart surgery. The care she received at Newcastle’s Freeman hospital was nothing short of exceptional. However, we were definitely the lucky ones. Whilst in the ward we met and made friends with children whose heart defects were much more serious, and the impact of living far from home often separated from the rest of the family was heartbreaking to see. CHUF work tirelessly to help support these Heart Heroes and their families in what are some of life’s very darkest moments. 

Spring forward 18 months and Abi is happy and healthy, has grown enormously and has new found energy and a zest for sports. I can’t thank Dr Hermuzi, Carole (simply the most amazing nurse), Joanne, the play therapists and of course the clown doctors (who visited Abi straight after surgery) enough. We are thankful every day for the care Abi received but there are so many families who need your help. 

So here we are. I’m slightly overweight and totally undertrained. The goal, to finish this, on my feet, and help all those families for whom the journey still lies ahead. 

Huge thanks to everyone who has donated - I can’t thank you enough!