We are delighted to share that Jennifer our Community Family Support Officer, who helps families navigate the challenges of their child’s congenital heart disease (CHD) was among more than 2,500 invited guests at the Royal Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle after being nominated by a family she had supported through the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.
Jennifer Keys, Community Family Support Officer with Children’s Heartbeat Trust, attended the prestigious event on 20 May, which was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla and recognised individuals from across the voluntary, charitable and public sectors.
Children’s Heartbeat Trust supports children and young people living with congenital heart disease and their families across Northern Ireland. The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, helping families cope with the lifelong impact of heart conditions.
As part of her role, Jennifer supports families from pregnancy through to early childhood, offering guidance around diagnosis, treatment and the challenges of caring for a child with congenital heart disease. She also leads home visit and play and prepare services, and works with local group organisers who run family support events across Northern Ireland.
Jennifer said she was astonished when she received the news of her nomination.
“I was nominated by Deborah, a mum of a young child with congenital heart disease, who has been supported by the work of the charity right from antenatal diagnosis. I was working when she rang to say I would be attending the Royal Garden Party! I couldn’t believe it and will be forever grateful that Deborah took the time to think of me for the nomination. The families I support mean the world to me, so although I got to go to the garden party I had the families with me all day.”
She described meeting the King and Queen as an unforgettable moment.
“The Queen said it was lovely to meet me and what brought me here today, I told her I work for Children’s Heartbeat Trust supporting families who have a child with congenital heart disease, and that we also had a son with CHD. She replied how wonderful it was and that I was doing very valuable work.”
Jennifer was nominated by Deborah Erskine, whose family she supported through their daughter Olivia’s CHD journey. Deborah said Jennifer’s compassion and lived experience made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time.
“Jennifer has a complete heart of gold and was such a support to me and my husband when we received the diagnosis that our baby would have a heart condition. Having someone who has walked a similar path and truly understands the emotions involved in a hospital journey meant so much to us. Jennifer has been with us every step of the way – both before Olivia was born and afterwards. Like so many people we have met along this journey, we will be eternally grateful for everything they have done for our family. To our fantastic consultant, the nurses, and the Children’s Heartbeat staff, everyone has our heartfelt thanks. In my day job, I have the privilege of being able to nominate people to attend the Royal Garden Party. This year, I knew Jennifer was truly deserving of the opportunity. Not only to represent a charity that now means so much to me, but also to enjoy a day of recognition for the wonderful work she carries out week in, week out in supporting families living with a child experiencing a heart condition. I am so pleased that Jennifer received an invitation to the Hillsborough Garden Party and had the wonderful opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen. It is richly deserved for all that Jennifer does.”
Jennifer’s nomination highlights the impact of her work within the heart community and the deep appreciation felt by the families she supports.
If your family has been affected by a child’s CHD diagnosis and you would like more information on support, visit www.childrensheartbeattrust.org
