A family celebrates son’s 50th Heavenly Birthday fundraiser

(Photo of Matthew Carter)

Maureen Lord and her daughter Sarah, along with family, recently marked a poignant milestone by celebrating her son Matthew's 50th Heavenly Birthday on September 3rd by raising money for Heartbeat. Maureen said: “It was Sarah’s idea, and she decided to launch the Just Giving page to raise the funds.  The family and their friends rallied together and raised an impressive £1,500 in Matthew’s memory. The donation went towards our Heartbeat House, adopt a room scheme and the 3D Heart Project. 

Matthew, tragically passed away at the age of 28 due to his congenital heart condition.  Matthew had pioneering surgery at the age of 11 months and was continually monitored by the amazing team on the Wessex Cardiac Unit.  

Maureen said that after Matthew’s operation in 1974, and with the help of the Daily Echo, they were able to raise the money for a Blood Gas Analyser.  Along with family members and friends they also raised funds for the YACU ward, supporting young adults. 

Maureen has supported Heartbeat for over twenty years. Heartbeat focuses on helping newborns, children, and adults diagnosed with congenital and cardiovascular diseases, primarily by supporting the work of the Wessex Cardiac Unit at University Hospital Southampton.  

Through the help of supporters such as Matthews family, the charity can continue its work which includes funding for specialised equipment, services, and facilities to assist patients and their families throughout their cardiac journey.