We did it!
Lucy Christie raised £16,020 from 290 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 13/03/2021
Weʼve raised £16,020 to help children with heart problems in memory of Damian Anthony Christie
- Funded on Saturday, 13th March 2021
Don't have time to donate right now?
Story
Our Story
Our son, Damian Anthony Christie, was due on December 28, 2020, but was born unexpectedly early on December 1, 2020.
We had found out during pregnancy that Damian would have a rare congenital heart defect, and would need surgery in the first few weeks of life. As Damian was born early, and small for his age, his chances of surviving open heart surgery dropped to 50/50, but without the surgery, his chance of survival was zero. Even if there was a 1% chance, we wanted to take it.
Damian had his operation when he was 10 days old. Unfortunately, he went into cardiac arrest shortly afterwards and although doctors were initially able to resuscitate him, his little heart couldn’t quite get going again on its own, and his other organs started to fail, too. Damian passed away on December 14, 2020. Although we are so happy we got to meet and spend 13 days with Damian (along with 9 months getting to know him grow), in many ways it also exaggerates our loss. We had so many hopes and dreams for him.
What are we trying to do?
We hope to do two things in Damian’s memory:
1. Raise money for the Hong Kong Children’s Heart Foundation. Damian is still our son, and still very much part of our lives. We think Damian would like to raise awareness of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and help other children with heart problems. CHDs are very common, affecting nearly 1 in 100 babies – but often these are so minor they are not noticed, and don't cause any issues or symptoms. Many heart defects are not even picked up until adulthood. The Hong Kong Children's Heart Foundation funds research into CHDs, and also sponsors the cost of heart-related equipment for families that need it.
The approximate costs of the cardiac medical equipment are:
1. Heart valve – HK$22,000
2. Cardiac catheterization – HK$20,000
3. Pacemaker and ICD – HK$55,000
4. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – HK$15,000
5. Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation Project – HK$221,000 (This is a safer, less invasive alternative to open heart surgery for some types of heart defects)
Our target is £2,000 because a replacement heart valve is something Damian would have needed himself later in life.
2. Get more people to donate blood. Shortly before surgery, we discovered Damian had quite an uncommon blood type (A negative). We didn't know this is uncommon, but only around 8% of people are A negative, and it is even less common in Asia. The hospital authority had to pool all of their resources across Hong Kong for Damian, and we were very fortunate that they were able to get enough at short notice.
Blood shortages are not just an issue in Hong Kong – globally, many regular donors have also stopped giving because of COVID-19, but blood banks are still open and safe to visit (even during lockdowns) in nearly every country around the world. Giving blood is a simple, free and sustainable action that could literally save someone’s life. If you are able to donate blood, feel free to send us a photo of yourself – it would bring us comfort to put together a collage of all the people that Damian's life touched. If you want to do this, you can send a photo via WhatsApp (Lucy +852 5920 5067) (Eamon +852 5920 5081) or email lucychristie16@gmail.com.
Lots of people have asked us about how they can help. We know not everyone is able to donate money or blood for many reasons, but if you can even share this page with a few friends that would also be a great way to raise awareness.
Thanks,
Lucy, Eamon and Damian
Updates
3
- 3 years ago
Lucy Christie
3 years agoHello everyone, thank you again for your support of such a good cause. The Children's Heart Foundation in Hong Kong has confirmed receipt of our donation this week. This money will be used to pay for cardiac medical equipment not covered by the government, and support families with kids with heart defects/disease. If you are interested in learning more, we will continue to work with the charity, so you can ask us anything, or you can read more on their website: http://www.childheart.org.hk/en/index.asp# Thank you again, Eamon, Lucy, Damian
Share this update to help us raise more
- 3 years ago
Lucy Christie
3 years agoHello everyone, We are blown away by the support, generosity and far-reaching kindness of so many friends and family. To celebrate what would have been Damian's 3-month birthday this week, we will close the page now and donate all the money to the Children's Heart Foundation in Hong Kong. We know Damian would be very grateful to all of his family and friends for such a powerful donation – so much money will make a real difference to so many other children's lives. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy, Eamon and Damian.
Share this update to help us raise more
- 3 years ago
Lucy Christie
3 years agoHello everyone, just wanted to say a huge thank you. We have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and kind messages and can't believe we have exceeded our goal by so much thanks to your support. We have replied to every message and donation, however we just learned today that some people may not have received these, or only received a generic system reply instead of our personal response. Please know that we are very grateful and appreciate each and every message and donation. Thank you so much for supporting this important cause!
Share this update to help us raise more
Lucy Christie started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
290
Anonymous
Mar 12, 2021
Emma
Mar 2, 2021
£115.00
Buckingham Family
Feb 22, 2021
£50.00
Lynda and Iain Watters
Feb 21, 2021
So sorry to hear Damien's story. He will forever be in the hearts of you, his grandparents Gordon & Marie and all your family and friends. Fantastic fundraising effort. Iain & Lynda Watters xx
£25.00
Maryann McGibbon
Feb 17, 2021
Damian was only on this earth for a short time but he has made his mark. So many youngsters are going to benefit from the love poured out from his family and friends
£20.00
Nadine Gibbons
Feb 14, 2021
Sending you both love and strength. Such an amazing thing to do in memory of your beautiful Damian. Xx
£50.00
Anonymous
Feb 12, 2021
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. We hope that our small contribution can help make a difference going forward.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered charity.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About Crowdfunding