If You Go Down to The Palace Grounds, You’re Sure of a ‘Big Surprise’

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National Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Fulham Palace on Sunday 16 May

Children’s Heart Federation (CHF), the leading UK charity for children with a heart condition, is holding its National Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Fulham Palace on Sunday 16 May from 2.30-5.30pm to mark the end of Children's Heart Week (8-16 May). Local families are invited to bring along a picnic and their favourite furry friends and join in the treasure hunt, indoor and outdoor games, colouring competition and tours of the palace. Tasty treats, generously donated by French Delicatessen, Tray Gourmet, will also be on offer.

While Election Fever may quickly cool, congenital heart conditions have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children.  Around 5000 babies are born with a malformation of the heart each year, and two out of three of these will survive beyond infancy. Many heart children carry the tell-tale scars of surgery, sometimes needing several operations as they grow up.

To raise awareness and funds to support heart-children, CHF supporters across the country have been holding Teddy Bears’ picnics and Bring-a-Bear to Work days throughout Children’s Heart Week.

“It’s so easy to focus on the hard side of congenital heart disease,” explains Samantha Johnson of CHF. “We wanted to get away from needles, breathlessness and isolation and concentrate on what all children want, regardless of their hearts - a bit of FUN! No one would describe life with a heart problem as a walk in the park but through the fun and fundraising at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, we can make life brighter for children with heart conditions.”

 

May 11, 2010