Children with heart disease raise over £10,000

Baby Iliana with her family

The families of 77 children born with congenital heart disease (CHD) have joined together to create touching videos that have raised more than £10,000 to support Evelina London

The Cardiology Kids #1in100 music videos feature photographs of 77 children, who were born with a form of CHD and cared for by Evelina London. They feature the song ‘I Am Home’ by artist Byron Gold, featuring acapella group Stratford East Singers.

Dr Aaron Bell, said: “We are extremely grateful to all of the families involved in the Cardiology Kids #1in100 appeal, for creating such powerful and inspiring videos. 

“It’s a brilliant reminder of the resilience and strength of the children and the families we see at Evelina London. We can’t thank them enough for coming together like this and their continued support of each other and our team.”

Cardiology Kids are undertaking a series of fundraising activities in order to raise £150,000 for the department that has looked after their children. By showing photos of their children, the families hope to raise awareness of the incredible work done by our cardiology team while raising money which will go towards specialist cardiac equipment.

Iliana

Seven-month-old Iliana is one of the children featured in the videos. At 12 days old, Iliana underwent her first surgery in which a coil was placed around her artery to close it off and reduce the amount of blood that is taken to the lungs. She will require a major open heart surgery when she is around three years old.

Iliana’s mum, Chloe from South London, said: “In the short time that Iliana has been part of our lives, Evelina London and ECHO has been a huge part of hers.

While Iliana was in hospital, the nurses also made sure to look after Chloe’s other daughters, seven-year-old Adelaide and three-year-old Edith by reading stories, explaining to them about Iliana’s treatment and involving them in her care.

Chloe said: “The nurses were so aware of Adelaide and Edith and made sure they felt involved. It made what was such a stressful time that little bit easier.

“All of the staff have been so amazing. They’re so professional but at the same time caring and reassuring. We were blown away with how they treated us.”

Evie

The videos also feature photos of three-year-old Evie, who underwent several procedures, including two open heart surgeries at Evelina London before she turned two.

Evie’s mum Jo, from Margate in Kent, said: “When we first heard about Cardiology Kids #1in100 we jumped at the chance to join in. It’s so amazing to work with and see all the other children that have been through the same thing as Evie.

“The song is so perfect and each word really resonates so much with us and the journey we’ve all been on. We’re really grateful for the collaboration and of course eternally grateful to Evelina London for all that they have done and still do.”

How to donate

The Cardiology Kids #1in100 appeal is raising money for the Children's Heart Fund, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity. Money raised will go directly to the cardiology department at Evelina London, as well as ECHO, a charity which supports children and young people with heart conditions and their families who’ve been treated by Evelina London. Support the campaign.

South London singer Byron Gold was more than happy to donate his track to the Cardiology Kids #1in100 campaign.

Byron said: “I was honoured to be asked to be involved in such an inspiring project that not only highlights the importance of the NHS but gives young people a second chance at life.  ‘I Am Home’ is a song about belonging and overcoming and the Evelina London Children's Hospital embodies all of that and more.”