Testimonials

"For Kian the INR machine means he doesn't have to hang around and wait for his appointment like when we go the clinics as he has said he struggles with the waiting as he hates it and gets fed up. Also with how the clinics are operating at the moment you have to wait outside and it's not fun waiting in the rain xx” 

From Heart Mom to Kian 

"We were lucky enough to be pointed in the direction of the charity ‘Young At Heart’ when our daughter was born. ‘Young At Heart’ have offered us support, a place to turn to, the most wonderful Christmas parties, and the chance to make some amazing life long friends. As well as all of that they have supplied us with a piece of equipment meaning we can now self test our daughters INR at home. This has been life changing, meaning that we no longer need to go to the hospital for this. When we first received the machine we were going to the hospital at least once a week, sometimes every third day, so to be able to do it ourselves at home was such a massive help. We are so grateful to the charity and the welcoming support and friendship from the ‘Heart Family’ we found ourselves in."

From Heart Mom to Georgia

"Muhammad has HLHS. After his 3rd open heart surgery, he was put on a blood thinning medication called Warfarin. With this medication, comes frequent trips to the hospital for INR checks, to make sure that it stays within range. It was very unsettling and upsetting for Muhammad having to go back and forth to hospital for finger pricks and it also meant he was missing out on school.
We were very fortunate to be provided with an INR machine from the fantastic charity YAH. It made our lives so much easier as not only can INR now be checked in the mornings before school starts but also it helps Muhammad to feel less anxious about having it done, as he is able to do it in the comfort of his own home.
Thank you so much YAH xx "

From Heart Mom to Muhammad

As a family we have been Part of Young at Heart since Vinnie was born , Vinnie was born with hypoplastic left heart ( half a heart ) he has undertaken 3 open heart surgeries so far at Birmingham Children’s hospital . Young at Heart have been a charity I can turn for support and advice . I have especially needed them the last 6 months as we found out Vinnie was now in heart failure and was put on the  heart transplant list . Before we left hospital with Vinnie  after he went in for test for his assessment for a heart transplant , we needed to have CPR training as Vinnies heart  could stop at any time . As you can imagine this was so scary coming home with Vinnie . Young at heart donated to us a charity  a defibrillator , we had training on it and it has offered huge confidence for us , in hope we never have to use it but it’s at hand if we do which will give Vinnie a huge chance at life . What a amazing charity thank you "

From Heart Mom to Vinnie

Since finding Young at Heart we have always felt included as a family and connected to families on a similar journey Someone is always there to offer advice and support, to listen without judgement and to show compassion I have made some lovely friendships and YaH have helped us make wonderful memories which I will treasure forever. Thank you Young at Heart 

From Heart mom Sharon, to Connor age 6

The loveliest of mornings with our heart family, local families with children who have similar conditions to Rory, all varying ages with siblings of all ages too. The heart children get to see they’re not alone in diagnosis and the problems that come along with, the siblings can let of steam and see other families with children that have been through what they have. Parents who truly understand my worries, anxieties and also how proud I am of all three of my children for being so strong in the face of CHD. All of our children have amazing bonds and play and laugh and trust, my children love the other adults and I can’t speak highly enough of the charity that makes all this possible, and the people that organise and work endlessly for our babies, they all pull together and I can relax with lovely company. The babies loved their build a bears and Rory is now zonked out with his bear under his arm
From Heart Mom to Rory

We have always been included and supported as a family and one of my fondest memories was attending the Halloween Coffee morning when my son was able to just be himself and accepted without being judged by anyone. He loves meeting people and calls them his heart friends. My daughter also had an opportunity to attend the Bear Grylls adventure centre, she had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed her day. Thank you Young at Heart

From Heart Mom Sharon