Hi, we’re Lucie and Nicole, two best friends who are raising funds again for CHUF, who gave Nicole’s son Toby another chance at keeping his own heart last year. Thanks to them we’ve since had 6 wonderful months at home in recovery! After 3 open heart surgeries at a previous hospital, early last year they turned around and said there was nothing more they could for Toby, that his heart failure was too advanced and they had put a referral through to Freeman hospital. Initially we were told he would likely spend several months living in hospital whilst he waisted for a transplant. Thankfully the amazing team of cardiologist and surgeons at Freeman gave us the choice between transplant or another option which no other hospital at the time would offer us…. The Ross procedure.

We agreed to the Ross and Toby underwent his fourth and riskiest open heart surgery to date. He sailed through it! Thanks to the sheer commitment, expertise and care provided by every single member of the Freeman paediatric team. From consultants, to nurses, to the play team… they really do collectively save life’s and offer hope to so many families!

Much of what is provided for the children in the Freeman heart unit, is funded by a charity called The Children’s Heart Fund (CHUF). CHUF funds vital specialist equipment, facilities, aftercare, and research to name a few. This is why it is so important to us to support this unit in every way we can.

Toby is not out of the woods yet, and although he remains stable he is still considered in heart failure and if his current medications don’t help to improve his heart function over the next few months, he could once again be back at the Freeman facing Heart transplant. So whilst we continue to pray for his recovery and health, we want to do what we can to support the Unit who supported us.

Last year Lucie raised an amazing £629 for CHUF when she ran the Morecambe half marathon. Now she is busy training for the Manchester Marathon on the 27th April, to once again raise funds for this amazing charity. We know times are tough for a lot of us right now, but any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated to support the families going through unimaginable worry and stress in hospital.

Thank you!

Nicole & Lucie x