We are doing this in memory of our dear friend (Mike's neighbour and Simon's sister-in-law) Sandra Griffin who sadly died last year.  At the request of her family, we have chosen Little Hearts Matter as this is a charity that was special to Sandra, not least because Simon's daughter Cerys was born with a condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome requiring immediate intervention and surgery. Put simply this means she has half a working heart. The condition, 'incompatible with life' as the medical profession helpfully put it, required immediate surgical intervention, invasive palliative surgery carried out over 3 stages, with an uncertain prognosis.

Cerys had her first open heart surgery at 3 days old at Great Ormond Street Hospital, then despite being critically ill was rushed in for the 2nd procedure at 7 weeks old. She finally came home for the first time after 4 months in hospital, and the 3rd and final stage of surgery took place on her 3rd birthday, almost 11 years ago.

Cerys will be 14 on the 25th May and has grown into an amazing young woman despite the challenges that have been thrown at her, she takes it all in her stride! In Simon’s proud words “She is the bravest, funniest and most beautiful person I know.  She enjoys life today just as any teenager does and this is due in no small part to the help and support of Little Hearts Matter”.

As such we’d like to give something back by doing these rides, to enable this small charity to continue supporting families who also receive this devastating news and to allow them to continue to provide valuable advice and services to heart kids.

Anything you can give would be hugely appreciated.  Thank you all so much for your support x