LHM Challenge Fundraisers head to Europe
LHM is heading to Europe this March and April with runners taking part in Marathons and Half Marathons in Paris and Barcelona.
We caught up with these fantastic athletes to see how their training is going, what motivates them and others to take on event fundraising and encourage you to join us for the Great North Run in September.
Why People Take on Challenge Events for Little Hearts Matter
Every year, thousands of people take on physically and mentally demanding challenges to raise money for charity. So what drives people to push themselves to the limit for Little Hearts Matter?
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Many participants in challenge events for Little Hearts Matter have a direct connection to the charity. They may be parents of a child with a heart condition, relatives, or friends of a family affected by congenital heart disease (CHD). Others may have lost a loved one and want to honour their memory.
Jade Newman is running in Paris half marathon on 9th March. “My nephew, Sonny, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a single ventricle condition that requires lifelong medical care. Little Hearts Matter has been a lifeline for our family, offering guidance, advocacy support, and reminding us that those living with these conditions are true superheroes. Their work is vital in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families facing these challenges. I’ve chosen the Paris Half Marathon to push myself for this incredible cause-every mile I run is for Sonny and everyone living with half a working heart”.
Standing in Solidarity with Families Facing Challenges
Children with single ventricle heart conditions face a lifelong journey of surgeries, medical treatments, and limitations on physical activity. Parents and families often describe this as an emotional rollercoaster.
When fundraisers take on gruelling endurance events, they symbolically share in that struggle and show determination, resilience, and hope, the same qualities that families of children with CHD demonstrate every day.
Julia and Sam Grogan are a husband-and-wife team gearing up for Barcelona on 16th March. “As a parent of a young child, we know how precious every heartbeat is. When we first learned about Little Hearts Matter from Florence’s family, we felt a deep connection to their mission. No parent should have to face the uncertainty of their child’s health, and yet, for so many families, this is a reality. We are proud to support this incredible cause, and we chose to run the Barcelona Marathon in March 2025 to raise awareness and achieve something extraordinary by raising funds for LHM”.
Spreading Awareness of a Rare Condition
Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects, but single ventricle conditions remain relatively unknown. Unlike major charities that already have widespread recognition, Little Hearts Matter relies on passionate supporters to raise awareness.
Challenge events provide an opportunity to talk about CHD, share personal stories, and encourage more people to support the cause. Many fundraisers document their journey on social media, bringing much-needed attention to the struggles of children with half a heart.
We have three runners making the trip to Paris on 13th April to take on Paris Marathon. Angela Lewis, Joe Evans and Jasan Mann:
“My beautiful niece Abaigh has been supported by Little Hearts Matter since her birth in 2013. She’s grown from a tiny premature baby in need of life saving surgery to a confident, bright and sassy 11 year old who has just performed in a show at the Hall for Cornwall. In the words of her cousin Loretta (who adores her), she is someone who is “not afraid to stand out from the crowd”. I am honoured to be able to help the charity that has supported this little warrior”. Angela Lewis
The Power of a Supportive Community
No one takes on a challenge event alone. Whether training with a group, receiving encouragement from family and friends, or joining an LHM team event, participants feel part of a community that shares the same goal. Fundraisers often describe the emotional high of crossing the finish line, not just because they completed the challenge, but because they did it with the support of others and all united by a shared purpose.
“My brother was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and for over 20 years now LHM have supported Thomas and my family. My family have done lots of fundraising over the years and now that I’ve finished university it’s my turn! I’ve never done a marathon (or a half) but I’m up for the challenge, I chose Paris as the route looks amazing”! Joe Evans
Turning Personal Challenges into Positive Action
For many, fundraising for Little Hearts Matter is a way to channel personal struggles into something positive. Parents of children with CHD often feel helpless watching their child undergo surgeries and treatments. Taking on a physical challenge gives them a sense of control and purpose, knowing they are actively making a difference. Likewise, for those who have lost a child, a challenge event can be a powerful way to honour their memory, ensuring their child’s legacy continues to help others.
“As I am from the West Midlands area, I was keen to support a charity that was based local to home. Adding to that, LHM are the only UK based charity doing what they are doing and this made me more eager to help them spread the word.My wife introduced me to LHM as the company she works for, Chancerygate, has been collaborating with them throughout 2024”. Jasan Mann
Join Team Little Hearts Matter for the Great North Run!
Are you ready to take on an incredible challenge and make a real difference for children with half a heart? Little Hearts Matter is looking for passionate runners to join our team for the Great North Run 2025!
By running for Little Hearts Matter, you’ll be helping us provide vital support to families facing the challenges of single ventricle heart conditions. Whether you’re an experienced runner or taking on your first half marathon, every step you take will help children with congenital heart disease live the fullest life possible.
We have limited charity places available, so don’t miss your chance to take part in this iconic event!
Date: Sunday, 7th September 2025
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Fundraising Target: £350 minimum
Cost: £30 contribution to registration fee
Ready to take on the challenge? Enter here