Leeds heart theatre nurse asks people to kickstart their decade with a charity fitness challenge

Filipa, who works at LGI, took on a Portuguese coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) late last year, and is now appealing to others to get fit and raise money for the charity at the same time.

Filipa works in the Leeds Children’s Hospital’s hybrid theatre which uses medical equipment funded by CHSF supporters, saving the lives of young patients with congenital heart disease every day.

She sees first-hand the work that CHSF does for patients, their families and the staff at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Filipa said: “I was supposed to walk just 280km (the official distance), but in the end I walked 337km. It’s an incredible walk and I even had the opportunity to take CHSF’s mascot Katie Bear with me to keep me company. The best advice I can give is do challenges that are good for you - and at the same time fundraise money for this amazing charity.

“It’s a good way to say thank you for the hard work the charity does, and a good way to help others.”

CHSF organises a range of charity events all year round, including a new one for this year – the Big Swim. The challenge involves swimming the length of the English Channel, but over multiple swims and in a local pool.

CHSF CEO Sharon Milner said: “Our Big Swim challenge means you can have fun, keep fit and de-stress, knowing your fundraising is making a huge difference.

“With nearly one in 100 babies in the UK born with a congenital heart defect, we owe a huge thank you to all donors - including Filipa - who put their time and energy into raising vital funds for CHSF.”

Entry to the Big Swim is just £5 at chsf.org.uk/events.