Ava was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect Called Tetralogy of fallot when her mum went through investigation by the lgi when a abnormal 20 week anatomy scan was undertaken. 

Ava was rushed onto ward l51 following a routine cardiologist appointment where she went blue and experienced a tet spell - due to covid only one parent was allowed to stay with her on the ward. CHSF were absolutely incredible in supporting parents Josie and Joe- they introduced themselves as soon as we’d settled onto the ward, gave us a welcome pack, a key for accommodation within the hospital, food vouchers, money for travel costs if needed and a parking permit. Ava was rushed into surgery 2 days later as she was a priority within the hospital- she had open heart surgery at 4 MONTHS OLD- the CHSF, Sarah in particular were incredible in supporting us, there compassion and empathy shone so bright throughout our stay! Ava did amazing in the operation which was performed by Dr Jabel, she then spend time on the paediatric intensive care unit, high dependency and L51 before we were allowed to come home. Before we got discharged Sarah from CHSF gifted Ava with a “Katie Bear and a medal” and a certificate of bravery- she also asked if they was anything else we needed from her/them. Once home she messaged to check how we were all doing, and if we needed anything else. 

CHSF were a HUGE part in making such a difficult and awful situation positive, there compassion and understanding made joes and I journey during that 9 days more bearable. We are forever grateful for them!! Thank you so much CHSF, we will Continue to do LOTS of charity work to ensure you can keep making a MASSIVE difference to children and there parents life’s!! 

We're starting the Christmas holidays off with a bang and earning our Christmas dinners by jingling all the way to 5K!On Sunday 20th December #TeamCHSF are pledging to journey 5K in our local area - dressed in our festive best! Think Christmas jumpers, reindeer antlers, trainers tied with tinsel...Whether we go it on our own, as a family or part of a group we will raise vital funds for our heart warriors this Christmas as part of #TeamCHSF!MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!---Feeling festive? Sign up to Jingle All The Way 5K here: www.chsf.org.uk/jingle-all

We will be doing this fundraising with lots of Ava’s family and friends too!! Xx