This festive season, join us in making a real difference to the lives of children in Northern Ireland living with congenital heart disease. Why not do your bit in a festive knit and host a Jolly Jumper Day?
Gather your friends, family or colleagues and put on your best (or worst!) Christmas jumper anytime in November or December. Simply donate to take part or add on a bake sale or festive raffle. Whatever gets you in the festive mood!
Sign up today HERE and help little hearts like Annie’s this Christmas.
Little Annie McIlrath from Kilrea was diagnosed antenatally with a complex heart condition, called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome where the left side of her heart hadn’t developed properly.
To date Annie has had two open heart surgeries. Her first at just six days old and a second at almost eight months. Between her surgeries Annie remained a long-term patient for seven months and spent her first Christmas in hospital. Throughout her journey Annie and her family were supported by Children’s Heartbeat Trust.
Receiving a diagnosis of congenital heart disease for your child can be very isolating and our dedicated family support team offer a listening ear, emotional and practical support to help cope with those challenging times. William, Annie’s dad, speaks opening about the difference this support made to them:
During November and December, we’ll be by the side of over 144 families like Annie’s, offering crucial emotional support at home and in hospital through our dedicated family support team.
Your festive fundraising efforts will raise much needed funds to help us continue our vital services for local children like Annie.
When you sign up, you’ll receive everything you need to get started including a festive fundraising pack and we can provide you with additional fundraising materials on request.
Sign up today HERE and help little hearts this Christmas.
