Heart op survivor Chanel and her family give the gift of kindness on Christmas visit to children's ward

A family who have experienced first hand the heartache of life lived on a hospital ward have helped spread some Christmas cheer.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 26th Dec 2019, 13:36 BST
Updated 27th Dec 2019, 14:07 BST

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Fay Murrish and her children with the Make My Day Events characters who helped the family during their trip to the Freeman Hospital.Fay Murrish and her children with the Make My Day Events characters who helped the family during their trip to the Freeman Hospital.
Fay Murrish and her children with the Make My Day Events characters who helped the family during their trip to the Freeman Hospital.

Chanel Murrish, five, from Seaham, was diagnosed with a rare heart defect before she was born and had undergone a series of major operations.

Her mum Fay has dedicated her time to helping others just like them and had made it a family tradition to visit the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where the little girl has been treated and is continually monitored.

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Along with her brothers Cole, seven, and Chase, nine, the Seaview Primary School pupil visited the ward along with a host of Christmas characters from Make My Day Events to hand out gifts.

Chanel Murrish visited youngsters on the ward with the help of her festive gang of helpers.Chanel Murrish visited youngsters on the ward with the help of her festive gang of helpers.
Chanel Murrish visited youngsters on the ward with the help of her festive gang of helpers.

The presents were bought thanks to the generosity of supporters and businesses, while the fund was also boosted with a night of entertainment held by the Crow's Nest pub on East Shore Village in their home town.

Fay, 30, who is married to Micheal, 33, said the event had been a "magical morning” with 30 parents given presents, with staff also given a treat, a food hamper given to the parents’ room, and two bags of toys donated to the ward's playroom.

A Nintendo Switch and a series of portable DVD players have also been left on the unit for its visitors to use, while £500 has been pledged to the safe ready for next year’s Christmas campaign.

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Fay said: "An the incredible amount of gifts were given out to heart heroes and their siblings spending Christmas in hospital with the help of special helpers from Make My Day Events.

Fay Murrish and her children Chanel, Chase and Cole as they got ready to spread Christmas joy around the Freeman's children's heart unit.Fay Murrish and her children Chanel, Chase and Cole as they got ready to spread Christmas joy around the Freeman's children's heart unit.
Fay Murrish and her children Chanel, Chase and Cole as they got ready to spread Christmas joy around the Freeman's children's heart unit.

“Everyone's kindness who helped us fundraise or donated has been overwhelming.

“Every year I come away with mixed feelings.

“It’s awful seeing so many spending Christmas in hospital but I hope we helped spread a little magic.”

Chanel was born with only half a working heart, as well as an additional complication, with surgery carried out just moments after she was born.

Her story can be followed by her own Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ChanelMurrish/.

Related topics:Freeman HospitalSeahamNewcastle