Families of children cared for by Evelina hospital create video in bid to raise cash for vital work

The families of 77 children born with congenital heart disease (CHD) have joined together to create a touching video tribute to raise more than £10,000 to support the hospital that cares for their little ones.

The two Cardiology Kids #1in100 music videos feature photographs of 77 children, who were born with a form of CHD and cared for by Evelina London.

They feature the song I Am Home by artist Byron Gold, featuring acapella group Stratford East Singers.

The appeal is named #1in100 because roughly one in every 100 children is born with a form of CHD.

After so many families came forward wanting to support, two videos were made.

By showing photos of their children, the families hope to raise awareness of the incredible work done by the cardiology team at Evelina London, while raising money which will go towards specialist cardiac equipment.

The Cardiology Kids #1in100 appeal is raising money for the Children’s Heart Fund, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

Money raised will go directly to the cardiology department at Evelina London, as well as ECHO, a charity which supports children and young people with heart conditions and their families who’ve been treated by Evelina London.

Seven-month-old Iliana is one of the children featured in the videos. Iliana was just 12 days old when she had to have her first operation after being born with the rare condition Scimitar syndrome.

Iliana was born with her some of her pulmonary veins, which brings oxygenated blood into the heart, attached to the wrong part of her heart, which causes poor oxygen delivery to the rest of the body.

She was also born with a hyperplastic right lung (a small right lung) and her collateral artery was also taking too much blood to her lung, resulting in severe pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs).

At 12 days old, Iliana underwent her first surgery in which a coil was placed around her artery to close it off and reduce the amount of blood that is taken to the lungs. She will require a major open heart surgery when she is around three years old.

Iliana’s mum, Chloe White, from Bromley, said: “In the short time that Iliana has been part of our lives, Evelina London and ECHO has been a huge part of hers.”

While Iliana was in hospital, the nurses also made sure to look after Chloe’s other daughters, seven-year-old Adelaide and three-year-old Edith by reading stories, explaining to them about Iliana’s treatment and involving them in her care.

Chloe said: “The nurses were so aware of Adelaide and Edith and made sure they felt involved. It made what was such a stressful time that little bit easier.

“All of the staff have been so amazing. They’re so professional but at the same time caring and reassuring. We were blown away with how they treated us.”

The #1in100 appeal has already raised more than £10,000. To support the campaign click here.

Pictured top: From left, Adelaide, seven, Edith, three, and Iliana, seven months