Sir Graham Wylie CBE

A huge thank you to our wonderful Patron, Sir Graham Wylie CBE, who supports Chuf in so many ways.

In 2009 his twins were born, and the family were devastated to find that one of them had a serious heart defect. Kiera had open heart surgery three times in her first two years of life and Sir Graham says he feels forever indebted to the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman hospital for saving his daughter’s life. He became a patron of Chuf, and helped the charity to raise several million pounds  to help fund the building of an accommodation facility for parents of children going through surgery as well as updating much of the equipment used by the children’s heart unit.

Despite setting up a charity of his own, Sir Graham Wylie continues to support Chuf, hosting the annual toddle at one of his business sites Close House, free of charge. His generosity and guidance is invaluable in helping Chuf with our work to support children and babies who are born with or who develop heart conditions. We can’t thank you enough Sir Graham!

To find out more about Sir Graham’s incredible career and support of Chuf please visit our Patron section.

Powerful Legacy, Lasting Impact: The Freemasons’ Support for Heart Heroes

We’ve been blown away by the generosity and determination shown by our amazing supporters from the Freemasons, from gruelling sporting challenges to remarkable charitable legacies, all in aid of Heart Heroes.

A special thank you goes to the fantastic team Stuart Armstrong, Stephen Daley and Paul… who raised £2,923.89 through a trio of epic fundraising efforts: taking on the Coast to Coast cycle, competing in the Dragon Boat Race and stepping into the ring for a white-collar boxing event. With additional generous donations from Renwick Flooring and Stephen Daley, the final total raised came to an incredible £3,748.89, every penny of which will go towards helping babies and children with serious heart conditions and their families.

This amazing community-driven total sits alongside one of the largest donations Chuf has ever received: a truly humbling £153,035 donated by the Northumberland Freemasons and Northumberland Mark Master Masons in memory of Gordon Craigs, a dedicated Freemason of 45 years whose legacy continues to change lives.

This larger donation, made up of £50,000 from the Richard Henry Holmes Charity and £103,035 from the Mark Benevolent Fund, has directly supported Chuf’s Seven Appeal, funding cutting-edge echocardiogram equipment that will help Heart Heroes for many years to come.

Together, these gifts, from those lacing up their trainers and putting on gloves, to those honouring a lifelong legacy of service, remind us of the incredible power of community.

Thank you to every single person involved, you are all Heart Heroes in our eyes. ❤️

Explore the path to becoming a Freemason below.

• Become a Freemason – Learn about the process and what it means to join.

• Join Us – Start your journey today by visiting our Join Us page for all the details and application information.

Lacing Up for Love: Paul & Ken’s Heartfelt Fundraising Journey

Since 2018, Paul and his dad Ken have been running the Great North Run for Chuf, raising over £5,000 in loving memory of Paul’s sister, Kerry. Their commitment to supporting Chuf is truly inspiring, showing how personal stories can fuel incredible dedication and make a real difference for heart families.

For Paul and Ken, running the Great North Run isn’t just about the race, it’s a heartfelt way to honour Kerry’s memory and give back to a community that means so much to them. Every year, their family comes along to cheer them on, a powerful reminder that Chuf is truly for hearts, for family,  for life.

Year after year, their dedication has helped raise vital funds that provide support, care, and hope to children and families facing the challenges of heart conditions. At Chuf, we feel incredibly lucky to have supporters like Paul and Ken. Their journey reminds us all that every step, every mile, and every donation adds up to something powerful.

It’s proof that no matter how big or small your fundraising, your story and your effort can inspire others and help build a stronger, more caring community

Miles of Hope: Linda’s Dedication to Heart Families

Linda Glendinning is one of our most dedicated supporters, running the Great North Run year after year to raise vital funds for Chuf. At 72, Linda’s commitment is truly remarkable and deeply personal.

Linda’s grandson Max underwent a life-saving heart operation when he was just 10 days old. Thanks to the expert care and compassion of the Chuf team, Max is now a lively 21-year-old who embraces life to the fullest, fearlessly taking on all kinds of adventures.

Linda remembers how Max’s parents stayed close by in the on-site accommodation, giving them comfort and support during a challenging time. It’s this care and kindness that inspires Linda to keep running, honouring the difference Chuf made to her family.

With over £6,000 raised so far, Linda continues to lace up her running shoes year after year, inspired by her own mother who ran until she was 80. Her story reminds us all that every step and every pound raised makes a real difference for children and families facing heart conditions.

Thank you, Linda, for your incredible dedication and for being such a shining example of the power of community and love. ❤️

Honouring Christopher: Ian’s Enduring Commitment to Chuf

Meet Ian Spellman

Ian Spellman has been a valued supporter of Chuf for over 20 years, running the Great North Run in memory of his son Christopher. Over the years, Ian has raised an impressive £18,000 to support children and families affected by heart conditions.

His ongoing dedication is a testament to his commitment to making a difference. Year after year, Ian shows up not just as a runner, but as a part of the Chuf community, reminding us all of the impact that consistent support can have.

We are incredibly grateful for Ian’s continued efforts and the example he sets for others. His story is one of quiet strength and steady commitment, and it’s supporters like Ian who help us continue our vital work.

Miles Filled with Memories: David’s Story

David is lacing up his trainers for a powerful reason. This year, he’s taking on an incredible series of races, including the Great North Run, Yorkshire Marathon, Blaydon Race and more,all to raise vital funds for Chuf. And his journey doesn’t stop there…..David will also be running the London Marathon for Chuf in 2026.

David runs in memory of his dear friends, Jemma and Michael Telford. Jemma tragically passed away in 2016 at just 32, shortly after giving birth to her second son. Her devoted husband, Michael, and David’s close friend, sadly passed away in 2021 aged only 40, leaving their two boys in the care of family.

“Michael was my greatest supporter,” David shares. “Even through his own health struggles, he always encouraged me. Their memory fuels my determination, knowing they’re cheering me on from above with every step.”

David’s connection to Chuf began when Jemma became unwell in 2015. He saw first-hand the compassion and care she received at Freeman Hospital, a commitment that has inspired him ever since.

By running in their memory, David is not only honouring Jemma and Michael’s legacy, but also helping Chuf continue its mission: to make life better for children and young people living with heart conditions.

We are incredibly grateful for David’s dedication, determination, and generosity, his commitment to Chuf is truly inspiring.

Matt: Going the Extra Mile for Chuf

From start line jitters to finish line triumphs, Matt has shown incredible determination and heart in every step he takes for Chuf. Whether it’s marathons, ultras, or half marathons, he’s tackled every challenge with grit, humour and a deep sense of purpose.

What drives Matt? The courage and strength of the children and families supported by Chuf. “What I’ve done is nothing compared to the strength they show,” he says. And yet, his own achievements, powering through injuries, early morning alarms, and those infamous mid-run refuelling stops, are nothing short of remarkable.

Matt is also a valued Chuf volunteer, giving his time and energy to support the charity beyond his runs. His dedication, whether on race day or behind the scenes, truly makes a difference to our children and families.

His favourite moments are the emotional highs at the finish line, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow runners. He’s inspired countless supporters with his perseverance and positivity, proving that running for charity is as much about heart as it is about endurance.

We’re so proud to have Matt as part of Team Chuf. His story is a reminder of the power of community, courage, and doing something extraordinary to support those who need it most.

Thank you, Matt, for running with heart, volunteering your time, and making every mile count! ❤️