I am doing some fundraising and taking part in an event to help Natalie try to achieve her goal of raising £12,000 for CHUF.

Natalies Personal Story


In the UK, 1 in every 100 babies is born with congenital heart disease (CHD) each day. Each child's experience is unique; some face significant obstacles, while others find hope through essential treatments and care.

The mission of CHUF (Children's Heart Unit Fund) resonates deeply with her. Natalie was born with a congenital heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Arteries, a condition that is currently incurable, indicating that a heart transplant may wait her in the future.

The Children's Heart Unit at Freeman Hospital was like a second home to her growing up, where the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff have provided her with a fighting chance. Natalie is profoundly thankful for their support.

Over the years, we have witnessed the remarkable influence this ward has on families during both joyous and challenging times.

This year, our aim is to give back. ♥️

2025 has been particularly challenging for Natalie. She has faced health issues that left me battling uncertainty, she has felt stuck in a chapter of my life where gained weight and lost the belief that she could do hard things. At times, she questioned my worthiness of chasing my goals.

Recently, Natalie found the inspiration to crawl out of that dark space and focused on moving forwards despite a diagnosis of cancer too. She made a list of things I wanted to do, and one thing stood out: to push herself physically, mentally, and emotionally for a cause that truly matters. She realised that if she could change her own life and get back on the road to health, I could also use this opportunity to make a difference for others. Rather than simply doing a hike to raise money for CHUF, she wanted to engage in a series of challenges and events that would push people completely out of my comfort zone.

So…. For the next year, Natalie be participating in a series of events, whether that be running, hiking, or walking (along with hosting fundraisers) to raise money for CHUF while also getting fit and in shape. She hopes to inspire others to believe that anything is possible while she has the opportunity, hoping to make a difference for other heart families across the northeast.

What is the campaign about?

Commencing in 2025 Natalie embarked on an ambitious mission to raise £12,000 for CHUF. My target is to raise at least £1,200, but aim to exceed that with your support!

She will organise a variety of events to step outside my comfort zone, and take on physical challenges —all in support of heart families. From 5k runs to bake sales and quiz nights, will engage in monthly activities to advance this campaign. You can follow my progress through regular social media updates and this page.

This journey will be challenging, as she has never undertaken anything of this magnitude before. Natalie am eager to push my limits and tackle challenges that extend beyond my comfort zone, all in hopes of maximising my fundraising efforts!

This undoubtedly will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding time.

**Fundraising Update**

Earlier this year, Natalie was diagnosed with cancer and underwent few major surgeries. She had to pause my campaign to focus on recovery. I’m on the mend, and believe all the cancer has been successfully removed. She is restarting her fundraising and has extended what was originally 12 month campaign. Her goal remains the same—to raise £12k. With the pause in mind, the new campaign end date is now December 2026 (instead of February).

Thank you all for your patience, encouragement, and support ♥️

Why CHUF?

CHUF is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children born with or developing heart conditions. Through their efforts, CHUF offers lifelong support to children and their families, ensuring they have access to necessary care and the resilience to move forward. Their influence extends across Northern England, positively impacting families and children receiving treatment at Freeman Hospital and other cardiac units.

Tragically, a friend of ours lost her daughter after a lengthy battle waiting a heart and lung transplant, during which her daughter spent considerable time on the children’s ward at Freeman. We hope to do this in her memory and raise awareness about the critical importance of organ donation.

Any contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create lasting change. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who is helping and supporting this important cause; I couldn't do it without you! ♥️

If you wish to participate or volunteer, please contact Natalie at Natalie.chufchallenge@gmail.com.

You can follow her journey and challenges on social media here: https://www.facebook.com/share/PoU2NkqGMgkvVEYN/?mibextid=LQQJ4d).

Please share ♥️