William and Alana McIlrath are gearing up for their ‘Hearty Hike’ this September in aid of Children’s Heartbeat Trust.
The Northern Irish-based charity have greatly supported the McIlrath’s over the last several months after their daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition.
Annie was born last September with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
Annie had her first surgery at just six days old, and from there spent the next few weeks in Crumlin Hospital, before moving to Belfast Hospital, according to the couple.
The McIlraths said they almost lost Annie just before Christmas that year, but she continued to fight on.
Seven months after her birth, the couple was able to bring Annie home for the first time, however she had to stay in isolation as had to return to Dublin for her second open heart surgery.
Alana McIlrath said that Annie is now six weeks post surgery, at home, and “doing brilliant”.
Alana added: “She will have more surgery down the line but for now, we are just enjoying life with her.”
Hearty Hike
The McIlrath’s praised Children’s Heartbeat Trust for the huge support they provided to the family during Annie’s first seven months.
They now want to give back, stating; “We know how valuable this charity is to heart families like ours.”
The ‘Hearty Hike’ will take place on September 28, as participants will climb Slieve Donard in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
The McIlraths have already made a good start to the fundraising after a local man donated a ewe lamb, which was auctioned at Kilrea mart last week, making a “fantastic” £1,300.
Children’s Heartbeat Trust
Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI have said that there are on average 200 babies per year born with one or more heart conditions, as congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common birth defect in NI.
According to the charity, one in three of these children will face open heart surgery throughout their lives.
Children’s Heartbeat Trust said its mission is to provide practical, emotional, and financial support while advocating for improved healthcare services.
The trust also noted the emphasis it places on raising awareness of heart disease in children and its impact.
Alana McIlrath said; “Without Children’s Heartbeat Trust, there would be no tailored support for hundreds of children and their families in Northern Ireland.”
