An appeal from the heart

Courtney McLaughlin has been holding annual fundraising events for the local charity, who have provided support to her three-year-old goddaughter Rosie McLaughlin, from Maghera, who was born with a congenital heart defect.

The fundraising night was held at the Bridge Inn in Carnlough and raised £201 for the charity, who support children and young people in Northern Ireland living with heart disease, and their families.

The Children’s Heartbeat Trust work closely with Clark Clinic, which is the regional paediatric cardiac ward at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, to help fund medical equipment and initiatives.

The objective is to ensure ensuring that children with heart disease in Northern Ireland receive the best care and treatment possible.

Heart disease is the most common birth defect, with over 200 babies born each year in Northern Ireland with the condition. Many need ongoing cardiac care and/or open heart surgery. 

Lynn Cowan from Children’s Heartbeat Trust said, “We are extremely grateful to Courtney for organising this great fundraising event.

“It was perfect for getting everyone together and have a bit of fun whilst raising money for a charity close to Courtney’s heart. The money will be put to good use in helping us provide support to the many children and young people in

Northern Ireland living with heart disease.”