Priority Space funds party fun for children with poorly hearts

Priority Space has committed to paying for some party time fun to support children undergoing treatment for congenital heart disease.

The South Yorkshire company has signed up to sponsor a programme of parties and events for children being treated by the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU).

Organised by the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) which supports the LCHU at Leeds Children’s Hospital, the events will be attended by children born with heart problems and their families.

CHSF’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Amanda Warrent said: “Care for patients living with congenital heart disease treatment is often long-term, involving multiple hospital procedures and visits and this can be a daunting prospect for a child and stressful for parents.

Mum and daughter enjoy party fun at a previous event

“One of our main aims is to support heart families by providing enjoyable experiences and events throughout the year away from the hospital, and we rely on our corporate partners to enable us to do this.”

Priority Space co-directors Adam Richardson and Lee Buchanan, who have previously sponsored refurbishment of a playroom in the hospital’s children’s ward, felt this was another good cause to get behind.

Lee Buchanan said: “We’re both Dads of young kids and totally understand that parents with an ill child will put all their time, energy and resources into looking after them and will probably have very little left in the tank to organise big days out and parties.

“We’re proud to support CHSF’s work organising and inviting families to fun events where they can enjoy some good times amidst all their important treatments and appointments.

All events are carefully managed to ensure everyone is safe and having fun

“We particularly like it that these events are for the brothers and sisters of poorly children too and we hope they all have a great time together.”

Priority Space’s sponsorship package of £1,000 will cover the cost of 40 children attending a CHSF event, with all the fun, food and activities included.

Amanda said: “We are so grateful to Priority Space for helping to fund our well-loved parties – they provide a great distraction and a place to connect with other families. Children's Heart Surgery Fund aims to make a child's experience of hospital care a more positive one, helping the whole family to cope during the long and emotional journey they face through surgery and treatments.”

CHSF have organised four family events this year. The children’s health needs are carefully considered at every one to make sure everyone is happy and relaxed. The events are also great opportunities for parents to meet each other, share experience and support one another.

One parent said of the family events: “Reggie finds the parties so exciting, and it's nice for him to catch up with his heart friends! The last party was fantastic and there was something for both kids and adults. We really need events like this as everyone is living the same journey. Everyone is so understanding of the children's needs.”

Over 17,000 babies and children born with heart defects receive life-saving surgery, outpatient treatment and specialist care at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit each year. CHSF, Priority Space’s charity partner, provides vital medical equipment and family support.

To find out more about CHSF and donate to the hospital, visit chsf.org.uk/donate.