Children’s Heartbeat Trust

Last year, The Northern Ireland Boys’ Brigade (BBNI) were delighted to partner with Children’s Heartbeat Trust as their Charity of the Year.

Companies across the length and breath of the province have got behind the partnership and been hugely creative in their fundraising efforts. Between creating calendars to sell, coffee mornings, Polar Plunges and a Lego Nativity to name a few, we are delighted to announce that £21,836.60 has been raised in support of Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

Bethany Smyth, Engagement Officer and Programme Co-ordinator for BBNI said:

“This year, it has been fantastic to see the ways that our BBNI companies have raised money for Children’s Heartbeat Trust. When I visited the first company to launch the charity this year, I have learnt so much about how this wonderful charity supports children, young people and their families affected by heart disease in Northern Ireland.

I have seen Christmas jumper nights, leaders coming together at IFA with proceeds for Children’s Heartbeat Trust, colouring competitions, sponsored walks and so much effort among our BB companies.

Thank you so much to each of our BBNI companies for their efforts in raising money for Children’s Heartbeat Trust.”

Children's Heartbeat Trust is a local charity in Northern Ireland who provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people living with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Congenital Heart Disease is the most common birth defect. Every year in Northern Ireland, over 200 babies are born with CHD, and it is our vision to work towards a society that provides high quality support for heart families at each stage of their journey.

Receiving a diagnosis of CHD can mean a lifetime of complex open-heart surgeries, interventions, medication, and limitations on 'normal' activities. Without Children's Heartbeat Trust there would be no tailored support for hundreds of children and their families in Northern Ireland.

Lynn Cowan, Fundraising Manager from Children’s Heartbeat Trust commented:

“Children’s Heartbeat Trust is humbled by the incredible support of BBNI over the past year. It was a privilege to support and visit various companies and get the opportunity to thank them personally for their fundraising efforts. We want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all the boys, their families, leaders and BBNI Staff for their incredible efforts.

The astounding donations raised will help us to support more families like Charlie from 2nd Kilkeel Anchors, who helped us launched the BBNI partnership. His family received practical, emotional and financial support during the most challenging of times when they had to travel outside of Northern Ireland for Charlies life-saving heart surgery.”

Last year Children’s Heartbeat Trust supported over 500 families including 216 children who had to travel outside of NI for cardiac care or faced long term hospital admissions.

Children’s Heartbeat Trust do not receive any government funding and are reliant on voluntary donations to fund their services. BBNI have gone the extra mile to ensure the charity can continue to deliver their crucial support to heart heroes and their families in Northern Ireland.

For further information on the work of Children’s Heartbeat Trust please visit www.childrensheartbeattrust.org