Welcome to the Children's Heart Federation Personal Stories page. Here you can keep up to date with stories involving some people who support CHF and use our services. They sometimes touch on some very sensitive issues and express views that may not necessarily be shared by other parents or by CHF, nevertheless we value comments and thank them for being so honest. You can also view a selection of case studies on heart children and families that continue to receive support from our charity.
If you would like to share your story with others you can use the new Online Story Submission Form. You can also download a paper version of the form if you would prefer to complete it offline and mail it into us.
| Personal Stories |
| Paul Willgoss, a trustee of CHF is currently running and walking 1500km in one year to raise awareness of congenital heart disease and money for CHF. Sarah-Jayne Makin ran the Marathon des Sables in aid of the Children's Heart Federation. This 255 kilometre ultramarathon has been described as "the toughest footrace on earth". You can read more about her training and reasons for participating in the marathon by viewing her personal story page. Elizabeth Bamblett gave birth to a heart child called Mary who sadly died aged 4 months in 1953. Her daughter, Susan Rumens found her journal from the time Mary passed away. The In Memory of Mary page contains a digital version of this journal as well as information on Elizabeth's memorial fund. Claire Reece has written a diary documenting her experiences of caring for her son Hugo James, who has been diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. |
| Case Studies |
| Freddie's Story "Children's Heart Federation has been part and parcel of Freddie’s journey." Grace's Story “Knowing that there is someone at the end of the line who’ll listen and who has a good understanding of heart conditions is still a great comfort to me.” Harry's Story "Harry’s condition has never stopped him from having a normal upbringing and he has always found it easy to make friends and enjoys social and sporting activities like any young person." Katherine's Story ". . . it hasn’t really stopped me doing anything – except cross country!!" Laura's Story "Laura, aged six, had open heart surgery last December to repair a narrowed valve and a hole in the heart. . . Luckily, we had already requested some information from the Children's Heart Federation on her condition and what treatment would involve. In addition, they also sent us some lovely children’s books to help prepare Laura for the surgery." Lola's Story "It’s great to know that there is support like the Children's Heart Federation out there, and that I can just pick up the phone when I need to talk to someone." Maia's Story "In the hospital, you get a free television. I watched it and I slept at my bed in the hospital. After two days I had my operation and I really was fixed." Neil's Story "t was a wonderful feeling to go as fast as I wanted without having to worry about my heart. I daresay the exercise did my heart good anyway: it certainly kept me fit!" |