SACHD - Helping Families Across Scotland

Remember to check out our Forthcoming events page which is updated regularly.

Nov 09 - SNIP (Special Needs Information Point)

We'd like to "spread the word" about the Association, let as many families know about us as possible and so for this reason we are going to be working with SNIP (Special Needs Information Point) a charity based at Sick Kids, Edinburgh.

A member of their staff will be at Cardiology clinics in Edinburgh for a couple of hours a week, for a trial period of six months, to raise awareness of the Association amongst the medical and nursing staff, maintain any leaflet/poster display, meet with parents, discuss the SACHD and what we can offer.

June 09 - The McLean Family have a Great Day out at the Dream Car Rally
 
We have just had a brilliant family day out at the Thirlestane Rally. Everyone in Sporting Bears was so welcoming and kind to us. The Dream Car Team were so kind to Roddy. First of all Roddy and I addressed the Dream Car owners and told them a bit about our charity. Then they took him for a ride in three of the dream cars - a bubble car, a TVR and a Ferrari. The open top TVR was his favourite and he went so fast that he had to promise not to let on to his mum just how fast they went ! He had such fun that the rest of the family ended up paying to have a dream ride too. We have now found a new family hobby! Roddy says to recommend coming along for a dream ride in one of the cars to everyone as it was so much fun. It was our first car rally but we will definately be going back next year - first Sunday in June ! It is great that the drivers gave up their time to help raise money for our charity. A huge thank you to everyone in Sporting Bears. We had a dream day with their dream cars!
Sue McLean

May 09 - Family weekend

This years SACHD family weekend at Pitlochry was a great success, with 10 families/groups attending for either all or part of the gathering.  The weather was kind to us and we had mainly sunshine for most of the organised games and activities, from Quizzes to Salmon Leaping, Cycling to Golfing, Swimming to Rowing Boats on Loch Faskally there is certainly something for everyone. . . not forgetting the tension building, dramatic team game of "Twenty Questions" played on an evening..... it was just a complete laugh from start to finish!
Many thanks to Keiran Wardrop for organising it... it was a fun weekend jam packed with activies, banter and giggles! This was our second year of attending and we will be back again next year as Jennifer (nearly 4) and Nicholas (2) had an absolute ball..  the Hynes family from Fife came for the first time this year and enjoyed it so we hope that they come back... I am sure Scott will want to defend his Golfing trophy!!
The range of childrens ages his year was from 2 to 15, and they all got on so well, the Atholl Centre that we stay in or "take over"...... is ideal and such a child friendly safe place for them just to run about and play..... that is when we are not out and about doing things!
If you are thinking of coming along and joining us next year then contact Kieran or anyone from the Association to find out more about it ... I would highly reccommend it, its great to be with other familes who have experienced what you have without any doom and gloom....... we just let the children enjoy their time together...
So... hopefully see you all in Pitlochry next year.
Cheery,
The Booths from Dunfermline!

Congratulations to:

Hynes Family - Quiz

Jim Kelman - Salmon Guess

Scott Hynes and Stuart Fegan - Hole in One

John Fegan - John Fegan Putting Challenge

Esther Fegan - Anne Flannigan Putting Challenge

Scott Hynes - Kids Putting Challenge (now called the Scott Hynes Putting Challenge)  

Next years date is Friday 21st May to Sunday 23rd May.

May 09 - Understanding Your Child's Heart - New BHF CHD Publications

Working closely with paediatric cardiologists, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has just produced the first six booklets of a new series, Understanding your child’s heart, for the parents and families of babies and young children with congenital heart disease.

Each booklet:

• discusses the way the normal heart works and explains congenital heart disease

• explains a particular congenital heart condition, its diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment

• gives information on coping and contacts for additional support.

Further booklets will become available throughout 2009 and early 2010. For more information on these booklets or the British Heart Foundation, please go to bhf.org.uk

The first six booklets:
• Aortic stenosis
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Large ventricular septal defect
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Transposition of the great arteries

To download or order your free copies of the booklets and to order your display rack (suggested donation £20), please go directly to the Publication section on the BHF website, email orderline@bhf.org.uk or phone the BHF Orderline on 0870 600 6566

Sarah Mitchell's report from her trip to the Parliamentary reception on 14th May 2009.

Sarah is the Aberdeen Branh cSecretary.

ordan McCullagh, from the Glasgow Branch, was chosen from nominations to visit Lapland (2007). The side images show what a good time he had. His mum accompanied him. Below is what she had to say about the day.

"We were really excited about going to see Santa. Our day started by getting a flight to London Gatwick where we met lots of other families from other associations, we then went to the Gatwickworth Hotel and had dinner. We went to bed early that night to prepare ourselves for the long day ahead. We got up at 4.00am the next morning to make our way to the airport to get the 7.00am flight to Lapland. We arrived at Lapland at around 10.00am. We alll got snow outfits to wear throughout the day to keep us warm. We then set off to see Santa;, the expression of shock and excitement on my sons' face was magical. We had reindeer rides, skidoo trips, husky rides, which were all amazing. The day was fantastic, so well organised and there was never a minute we had nothing to do, although if the kids needed a break we had a rest room to chill and hot drinks and food were available all

day for free.

The day was one we will never forget. Our flight was at 6.00 pm that night and we all arrived back at hotel, exhausted from the wonderful day, around 10.00pm. We then got up the next morning and headed home. The trip was so well organised, a Doctor and a Nurse were with us the whole trip, thankfully no emergencies.

In conclusion the experience was phenominal!"