Dear ECHO Supporters,

As 2018 draws to a close, we wanted to let you know about some of the latest ECHO news and ways you can support heart families over the festive season.

We know that this time of year can be difficult, and are wishing all our members moments of peace and joy this holiday time. We're also sending lots of warm wishes to families going through diffcult times during their heart journey, and in particular those remembering loved ones who are no longer with us. 

We really look forward to another year of working together to build a supportive ECHO community. Stay tuned for our new year newsletter where we'll be sharing how you can get involved with us in National Heart Month 2019 (February).

Last weekend, a small team of ECHO Elves visited the Savannah ward to turn it into a glittering Santa's Grotto. Donations through our special Secret Santa Club make things like this possible. Next week, we'll be bringing a gift to every child in the ward this Christmas period. 

You can help by joining this very special club and texting to donate to support heart children and their families who are spending Christmas at hospital. 

We hope that if you could make it to our annual party, that you had a wonderful day with your family. What a day it was filled with arts and crafts, dancing, games, an Academy of Elves worshop, face painting, the amazing Stratford East Choir and a visit from Santa himself. 

It would not have been possible without the support of our amazing team of 40+ volunteers who dedicated their time to help on the day.Thank you so much to everyone to came along to help out, enjoy the day and be part of the ever-growing ECHO community.

We'll be posting the photos from the party on our website very soon so stay tuned! 

On Saturday 15th Dececmber, 500 BMX Santas rode across London to raise awareness of children with heart conditions and generate vital funds to help ECHO support heart families. 

In its 5th year, the Santa Cruise ride was started by heart Dad Stephane after his little one suffered a heart attack at just 6 months. Now, Stephane and the Santas have raised an incredible £70,000 for ECHO in the past 4 years. Thank you so much to everyone who got involved and we look forward to seeing you at next year's Santa Cruise!

We are excited to announce that ECHO has been chosen to take part in the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund. This means until 26 October 2019 Co-op Members can choose to donate 1% of what they spend on selected Co-op brand items and bags purchased in store to ECHO. The funding ECHO receives will go towards vital services for heart children and their families.

Best wishes from Team ECHO,

Samantha, Emma and Sinéad