Throughout this past year we have been reminded of the many difficulties members of the heart community face. Whether this is due to stays in hospital, worried visits to clinics and GP's, or trying to explain your own personal situation to schools or other professionals. We know how hard it can be to get through to people who often simply do not understand. 

However we are also reminded daily of the resilience of our members and your families - and your ongoing support for one another. 

2016 has been our 'Year of the Superhero' and we have achieved a lot at echo: supporting more and more young heart patients and their families in the hospital, in their homes and in the community; founding a parents’ support group; celebrating the 1st anniversary of our cardiac family support service; connecting increasing numbers of members; establishing bereavement support; increasing music therapy in the hospital and even walking on fire with our most daring supporters. We have also closely reviewed our services and improved the way we tell the echo story with the launch of our new brand.

We have ambitious plans for 2017, including opening our first office next month - opposite the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

We hope that you will support us in any way you can.

Christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone, regardless of your faith or beliefs. However, we do hope that you enjoy the festive period and the time it gives you to reflect on the past year and plan for the next one.

It may also cheer you to hear that a selection of gifts will be delivered to families staying at the Evelina London Children's Hospital on Christmas Day - thank you to all who have donated for this including our corporate sponsor Whitehead Monckton who have created special gift packs. 

The work we do at echo wouldn't be possible without our volunteers, fundraisers and donors. Whether you've taken part in fundraising activities, given your time and energy to support echo members, or simply reached into your pocket and donated what you can - we cannot thank you all enough.

Your hard work and efforts mean that heart families continue to receive support from echo.

Help us spread festive cheer to heart children by joining our Secret Santa Club. Donations will be used to purchase treats and presents for children staying at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. Ways to donate: text ECHO29 £3 to 70070 OR visit our Justgiving page

The echo office will be closing at lunchtime on the 23rd December 2016 and opening on the 4th January 2017. 

If you need to speak to someone during the Christmas period we recommend you contact the relevant ward at the Evelina directly.

Evelina main telephone number: 020 7188 7188 
Evelina 24 hour emergency number: 020 7188 8258

We are thinking of all echo members over Christmas and look forward to working with you in 2017.

Best wishes from team echo,

Samantha, Emma, Siobhan, Diana and Hayley