Heartline Families meets the Queen

Heartline Families is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and we were invited to attend their centenary celebration at Windsor Castle earlier this year.

The event was aimed at smaller organisations that provide a direct service and/ or have a lower profile than British Heart Foundation or Scope, for example, and Kevin Ford attended on behalf of Heartline Families as Chair of Trustees.

Following a pre-reception where guests met and introduced themselves to each other, we were led through to meet Her Royal Highness the Queen before moving on into to the main reception area, in St George’s Hall.

It was great to meet so many people who have recognised and met a need, whether it be more established charities and organisations to individuals who have opened day care

centres for adults with special needs where their local authority is not meeting demand.

Heartline Families was met with positive interest, especially when noting the significantly higher degree of congenital heart disease against childhood cancer. Whilst clearly not a competition at all, facts provide clarity.

These compelling, and sometimes surprising,

facts are what is required to achieve a similar level of awareness as some of the more recognised and understood illnesses and conditions receive.

This helps to attract fundraising to help Heartline Families to roll-out existing projects and develop new ideas and benefits. In addition to this positive end, it helps us to focus on wider research, treatment and support challenges.