Skydiving 6 take to the skies to raise funds

The Skydiving Six (l-r Brian McDonnell, Robert Jones, Ian Gorham, Siobhan Allen, Kerry Jennings and Gillian McIlreavey) are happy to have their feet back on the ground as they surround Lorna Smith who inspired their fundraising for the Children's Heartbeat Trust

Six very brave friends – Siobhan Allen, Brian McDonnell, Gillian McIlreavy, Kerry Jennings, Ian Gorham and Robert Jones took part in a ‘Sponsored Skydive’ and jumped out of a plane at 13,000ft on 12 June in Coleraine to raise funds for the charity.

They chose the Children’s Heartbeat Trust as Siobhan’s sister, Lorna Smith, has suffered her entire life from a congenital heart defect. Read Lorna’s story under the family support section of the website. Lorna will also be helping us with our new group in the Antrim area. If you would like to become involved in a family group for the Antrim area please contact us on 07584 164 815 or email info@childrensheartbeattrust.org

A very very big thank you to the Skydiving Six for all their efforts!

Lorna Smith presents the funds raised by the Skydiving Six to Sr Alison Kearney, Ward Manager of Clark Clinic at the Royal

Annual Family Picnic at Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh

The Annual familiy picnic will be held on Sunday 5 September at the Ulster-American Folk Park in Omagh. This is a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new members and families affected by heart disease in children across Northern Ireland. The Bluegrass Festival is happening at the same time so promises to be a great day out!

Tickets are free but please contact your closest group organiser well in advance to book places.

Belleek Fundraiser is a great success

(back row L-R) Helen Thompson, Rosaleen O Brien and (front) Aaron O Brien present a cheque to Sarah Quinlan (Executive Officer, Children's Heartbeat Trust). As a baby Aaron received successful treatment for a serious heart condition at Clark Clinic.

Dr Brian Craig (Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Clark Clinic) enjoyed a great night at the fundraiser and is pictured here with Aaron O Brien, Lisa Gormley, Eimear Gormley and Nicola Gallagher.

Helen Thompson and Rosaleen O Brien organised a fantastic fundraising night at the Hotel Carlton, Belleek. Tyrone band,The Logues, kept everyone entertained and dancing throughout the night and a raffle drawn on the night helped raise the total amount. Dr Craig attended on behalf of the charity and ended up winning some beautiful Belleek pottery – he assures everyone that there was no ‘fix’ and it was just luck!

Thanks to Helen and Rosaleen and all who helped them with the event and those who came along and supported!

Brothers run half marathon for charity

Isabelle Hannigan (Sister, Clark Clinic) accepts the fundraising cheque from the Kirkpatrick families on behalf of the Children's Heartbeat Trust. (front row L-R) Kerry Cunningham, Isabelle, Gemma Fitzpatrick, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Jamie Fitzpatrick, Joanne Kelly; (back L-R) Conor Fitzpatrick, Declan Fitzpatrick.

Two brothers from Rathfriland, Conor and Declan Fitzpatrick, ran the Newry Half Marathon to raise funds for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, with their families collecting sponsorship on their behalf. Their children – Gemma, Jamie and Chloe said they were really proud of their dads and a very big well done from the charity too! Gemma has received treatment at Clark Clinic for a serious heart condition. Her dad Conor said ‘It is a cause close to our hearts, and we are just glad we managed to finish the race!’

Thanks to Conor and Declan, their families and all who sponsored and supported them.

Belfast Marathon walk raises funds

Michelle and Katie present a cheque to Sr Kearney in Clark Clinic

Michelle Kirkpatrick and her daughter Katie presented a cheque to Clark Clinic Ward Manager, Alison Kearney. Katie’s aunt, Elizabeth Carey walked the full Belfast marathon in aid of the charity. A very big well done to Elizabeth on such a fantastic achievement and many thanks to all who sponsored and supported her!

Schoolgirls take on the Enniskillen Rotary 10k to raise funds

Natasha and Amy Hull hold up the fundraising cheque as the girls who took part in the Enniskillen Rotary 10k look on (l-r) Chloe Stratton, Bethany Huddleston, Ellen Couples, Lauren Trimble, Melissa Paget, Joanne Armstrong, Chloe Hicks, Holly Monaghan, Joanne Kettle and Lauren Moore.

A group of schoolgirls from Enniskillen Collegiate put on their running shoes and took part in the Enniskillen Rotary 10k, with each of them collecting sponsorship and donating the proceeds to the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

This brilliant effort was co-ordinated by Natasha Hull from class 9a Collegiate, who asked all her friends to take part in the run and support the charity. Natasha’s little sister Amy has received treatment for a heart problem in Clark Clinic and Natasha wanted to help support the fantastic work of the doctor’s and nurses there.

A very big thank-you to all the girls for taking part!