Ed’s 350km challenge

People get involved with Chestnut Tree House for many reasons. Some want to fundraise and support a charity, while others have a more personal connection, such as Ed.

At 6am on June 17, Ed is giving himself three days to cycle a 350km-circular route – the King Alfred’s Way – for Chestnut Tree House, as we care for his son, Archie, five.

In 2016, Ed’s son, Archie, was born with a major heart defect. The family were told very early on that he was going to be life-limited. Archie had his first heart surgery at 10 days old and stayed in hospital for eight months.

When Archie went home at eight months, the family were introduced to Chestnut Tree House. Archie has a twin, Harry, and an older brother, Ollie, so Ed describes this time of their life as a bit hectic with the extra care Archie needed. So, they were relieved that Chestnut Tree House was there to help.

A few weeks later, the family had their first stay at the hospice, when the whole family stayed for two nights. This gave Archie the opportunity to explore the house, while the rest of the family had a much-needed break and peace of mind that they were so close.

Ed says Archie is at his happiest when at the hospice, and is always asking his parents how many sleeps until the next time he visits!

Fast-forward almost six years, and Archie has had eight heart surgeries, five open heart. Now, Archie is in good health, but still has incredible hurdles to face in life, for example the family have been told to expect him to have a heart and lung transplant when he’s a teenager.