Tomorrow I turn 30 years old. The Big Six is my legacy of my final year in my twenties. This last year has led to this moment. A year of hard work and dedication to achieve a big goal. So here goes, the big reveal. Thanks to your kindness, support and encouragement, Ive been able to smash the target of £20,000, and Im able to donate a grand total of £22,359.53 to the British Heart Foundation. This project began as a half baked idea on a Canarian beach, followed by a few drinks later that evening. The perils of social media meant that when I awoke the next morning, Id told almost everyone I knew what I was going to do, there was no backing out after that! Of course, I had to do it. Im so glad I did. This small project grew beyond anything I dared to imagine. So many friends have supported this challenge, and Ive been so overwhelmed by the support, encouragement and love Ive received from strangers. People who dont know my family, people who have never heard of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and people who know neither. I now consider you all to be friends. I feel so proud to know that my familys story has inspired so many people to get involved, get active and/or share our story and in doing so, raising awareness of this awful illness. I didnt realise that in choosing this year to complete this challenge, that I would be doing it during a year when Lewis would undergo major, complex open heart surgery. In fact, I did this because at the time I believed that surgery was not an option, and I felt so helpless. I wanted to contribute something. Its highly unlikely that these funds will improve Lewis prognosis, but we may just help another family thats just starting out on this path that were walking. Unintentionally, The Big Six page became so much more than just a page to update on our sporting endeavours, but a place where I could share my experiences, and where I could share the stark reality of Lewis illness as I journalled the weeks spent in hospital. I wasnt sure that we would achieve what we set out to achieve with this lengthy hospital stay parking itself in the middle of our challenge, but its made me feel even more proud of our achievement. The unexpected challenges that Lewis Heart Disease threw our way only served as extra motivation. A little reminder (as if we needed one) of why this challenge was so important to us. Thank you to each of you. It was a cathartic experience, and whilst at the time I wasnt sure I was doing the right thing in sharing so much, I reflect back following conversations with Lewis about what was shared, and Im glad I did. This served as a lifeline for me when the days were darker than I imagined. The love and support we all received was indescribable in terms of how it helped me to cope. Thank you. Heres an idea of what the money raised will fund: £12000: Will pay for two scientists for 30 days. Those scientists will work on research to better understand how to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure heart disease. £6000: Will pay for a Heart Helpline Nurse for 10 weeks, as she works with cardiac patients and their families in learning about their heart condition, and how to manage it. £2480: Will pay for 20 Resuscitation Manikins to allow for better, hands in CPR training. CPR doubles the sufferers chances of surviving following Cardiac Arrest. £1000: Will pay for 20 Lab Researchers Kits, to support their research into the biology of affected tissues. £750: Will pay for 25 Heart Start School Training Packs. These provide teachers with a specialised Emergency Life Support Skills package, to teach children what to do in a life threatening emergency. £130: Will pay for 650 children, aged 7-11 to be provided with a Lets Get Active Award Pocket Planner. It encourages children to get active, eat healthily, and educates on how to be heart healthy. That is what WE have donated. THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart. Whilst this challenge has now concluded, The Big Six still has work to do. Details of our next project will be shared shortly. I hope youve enjoyed reading the posts here, sharing our celebrations and I hope you now enjoy being part of my family legacy. On which point, tomorrow Ill be raising a glass to celebrate our success, and to welcome in my 30s. I hope you all join me, wherever you may be. Thank you, Laura x
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 21:58:14 +0000
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