Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Myself, Matt Lawton, Phil Halliwell and Sean Cotter wanted to do a fund raising event that could show support for a local charity. We will be supported by Jim Grieve and Nathan Bradshaw . My Son, Danny Moore heard we were planning this and asked if he could join us and also suggested a charity that was very close to him because of the story I’m sharing.

The following is written by Abbie and Ash, mum and Dad to an amazing little lad Francis.

Francis' was born in 2015 with a condition called Heterotaxy.

This effects many of his internal organs including his stomach, kidneys, liver and spleen but mainly his heart.

It was noticed on our 20 week scan that Francis' stomach was not where it should have been and was poking through a hole in his diaphragm. They also noticed several problems with his heart, meaning he had a single-ventricle heart.

This was heart breaking news. Being first time parents we were thrown into the world of caring for a medically complex child who we were told may not survive.

As the weeks passed and we attended more scans his chances of survival looked more promising and plans were made for his arrival by the medical teams.

On the 3rd of March 2015 we finally got to meet our gorgeous boy.

At 3 days old he had his first of many surgeries, this one to repair his diaphragm and stomach.

We were relived to find out his heart was stable enough for him not to need surgery straight away.

After 8 weeks on the neonatal ward we got to take Francis home! He was tube fed through a gastrostomy feeding tube and on many medications.

When Francis was 5 months old he was admitted to the LGI for his first open heart surgery.

After 6 weeks in hospital Francis was allowed home again.

But his heart was not fixed, and never will be. It is impossible to create a normally functioning heart without a full transplant for children with Francis' condition.

Over the next years Francis underwent kidney and eye surgery, 6 monthly cardiac echos and other tests and treatments to keep a close eye on his heart and kidney function.

Francis' main struggle has been his low oxygen levels due to his blood mixing in his heart. With oxygen levels of around 75% Francis found most day to day tasks difficult, even climbing the stairs was a real challenge.

But most heartbreakingly for us, was watching him unable to keep up with friends.

He can't play outside at school during the colder months and when he can he often finds himself alone, unable to keep up with friends.

In February 2024 Francis was admitted to the LGI once more for his next open heart surgery, the Fontan.

Throughout our stay on the cardiac ward the whole team were unbelievable in caring for Francis and us. They supported, cared for an encouraged him every step of his recovery. After a long 3 weeks fighting to have his chest drains removed he was discharged 1 day before his 9th birthday!

Francis now has oxygen levels in the high 80s to low 90s, meaning his quality of life will be improved immeasurably.

When our closest friend, and Francis' favourite person, asked if he could choose a charity close to us to raise money for, there were no question that the Children's Heart Surgery Fund deserved every penny.

They fund not only life saving medical equipment but toys, books, games consoles and much more for the children's cardiac ward.

They also support the family's of cardiac patients not only emotionally but also financially during hospital stays.

Their contributions and care were stand out throughout our stay.

We would be so grateful for any contribution to show our thanks and support to this amazing charity that has and continues to bring hope, love and care to family's like ours.

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