As some of you may know, I was born with a congenital heart defect which went undiagnosed until I was four years old. Once diagnosed I had urgent heart surgery in Southampton General Hospital. I was operated on, spent recovery, and throughout my childhood, went for regular checkups there.

Although daunting initially, it turned out that I absolutely loved my time going to the hospital. Not only did I get to miss school and spend the day playing, be it Connect 4, Mario cart, or Lego. But I also got to show the nurses my scar which I was very proud of.

Although I was very young, I can still remember how much effort everyone in the hospital made to make sure I was happy and entertained, to distract me from what could have been a really scary and overwhelming experience. I want to raise money for Starlight to ensure that children, like myself, and many with more serious conditions, can be distracted and delighted through the difficult reality of their illness.

Starlight are passionate about protecting every child's right to play, which takes them to the bedsides of some of the most poorly children in the UK, and making sure they have the tools to play through their anxiety, fear and loneliness.

Life in hospital isn't easy, especially when you're young. Suddenly you find yourself in a strange and lonely place full of unfamiliar sights and sounds.

In donating, you are directly helping children to cope with serious illness by giving them tools to manage these times when they need it most. Not only this, but you're also helping to support their siblings and parents by providing vital funds to provide them with funding family breaks and away days, giving them a chance to make comforting, life lasting memories together, no matter what the future may bring.

If you can donate, any donation no matter the size is massively appreciated.

On the 12th April- I am also hosting a fundraising evening at East London’s famed curry house- Tayabs. It’s a ticketed event with an auction happening in the evening as well

Please reach out if you would like to donate a prize for Auction. My email is: paddymorton@hotmail.co.uk