Family fun at the zoo for young heart patients

A donation by Redrow Foundation has given children suffering from heart conditions a memorable weekend in Chester, including a trip to Chester Zoo. The £10,000 donation from the charitable trust – set up by award winning house builder Redrow – to The Children’s Heart Federation (CHF) was used to fund a weekend break for 44 children and their families.

The families enjoyed a two-night stay in a hotel complete with evening entertainment and a trip to the world-famous zoo where the youngsters got the chance to see a host of exotic animals.

Sebastian Hare, head of project funding at the CHF, said:

“These breaks make a huge difference to the children and their families so it was like a dream come true when the Redrow Foundation stepped in and agreed to fund it.

“The children had a delightful weekend and got to see all sorts of animals. Despite the wet weather all the families had a wonderful time too. It was really great to see, especially with the problems these kids and their families are dealing with.

“We are very thankful to Redrow for making this special weekend possible. We were also honoured to be joined by the Sheriff of Chester Cllr Andrew Storrar, who opened the weekend, adding to the magic of the event for the children.”

The families stayed at the Holiday Inn hotel at Chester Racecourse and enjoyed dinner at Heathcotes restaurant on Friday and Saturday night.

All the children who went on the trip suffer from congenital heart conditions, which are the most common birth defect in the UK. Every year, a further 500 to 1,000 children develop heart conditions after birth.

There are about 70,000 young people living with a heart condition in the UK today and many of them are faced with long-hospital stays far from home or frequent hospital visits.

The CHF is an umbrella organisation with 21 member organisations, dedicated to helping children with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families in the UK and Ireland. It also provides a free-phone telephone helpline, equipment and respite support as well as working to raise awareness of heart conditions in children.

Paul Pedley, Executive Deputy Chairman for Redrow plc and a trustee of the Foundation, says: “The Redrow Foundation is honoured to support such a worthwhile charity. The Children’s Heart Federation gives invaluable support not only to the children themselves, but also to their families. This support is vital to show them they are not alone in facing their problems.

“The CHF also provides parents and carers with practical advice about the help available to them and I was delighted with the opportunity to see their good work in action.”

The Redrow Foundation was established to celebrate the house builder’s 50,000th legal completion and a £50 contribution is now made to the trust for every home sold.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support for the relief of poverty and sickness in the UK and, in particular, to providing accommodation and related assistance, including respite care, especially to children, the elderly and those who are sick or infirm.

CHF provides information and support through its website Chfed.org.uk.

To contact the Redrow Foundation or apply for funds, visit Redrow.co.uk.