We are excited to share that we raised £117,810 for our charity partner ECHO from last year’s Statom Charity Ball, money that will go directly support families going through challenges of children’s heart conditions.
On Monday, we visited Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where we spent time on the ward meeting the children and their families. We went around the ward, handed out cuddly toys and books, we also handed out the presents to any child's brother and sister too, so all the children had something to play with or read. As we walked around and spoke to the parents, they kindly shared their experiences and how hard it has been for them.
We visited Evelina London Children’s Hospital during National Heart Month, they had a party for the children and their families that are staying at the hospital. There were lots of fun activities at the party for the children, mums and dads like making their own smoothies by riding a bike that powers a blender, arts and crafts and playing with construction toys. There were also personalised ECHO cupcakes and an amazing fruit stand.
We got to spend time with the ECHO team, Samantha Johnson CEO of ECHO who walked us around the ward and showed us firsthand how the money we raised can help families. It was a reminder of how our ball can help so many people. Many of the parents do not leave their children's side so even providing a few boxes of pizza for all of them can help them so much.
Eddie the bear also took some time out of his busy day to walk around with us, wave at the children and take some photos at the end with us to hand him over the cheque. We loved spending him with him and seeing him brighten up people’s day.
ECHO supports families whose children have been treated at Evelina London, Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. For lots of parents, the journey begins with a life-changing diagnosis, this can happen at a 20 weeks pregnancy scan and continues through complex treatment and long hospital stays. From that first moment and through every stage that comes after, including recovery and, in some cases, bereavement, ECHO stands beside families, offering practical and emotional support when it is needed most.
