Concert aids heart patients

FOR THE KIDS: The Jets' Jeremiah Truman signs frisbees for children at the Heart Kids Manawatu Family Picnic in the Park on Saturday.

Feilding's Kowhai Park was brought to life on Saturday with a special concert benefiting children suffering from heart conditions in the region.

The Heart Kids' Manawatu Family Picnic in the Park saw hundreds of families pile on to the grounds for the three-hour show featuring demonstrations by the Manawatu Jets, cheerleaders and Ronald McDonald.

Heart Kids Manawatu co-ordinator Joanne Baird said the event was organised to raise awareness of the charity.

"These are often unknown and unseen conditions...we want our community to be aware of who we are and what we do."

She said the concert was a great success with solid support from local schools and community groups. "We have had lots and lots of positive feedback. People had a wonderful time - I know of a young girl who is still raving about meeting Minnie mouse."

The concert also featured entertainment from various dance groups, the Lytton Street School choir and St Joseph's Kapa Haka.

"They all wanted to be a part of the show...it's a really positive event which helps up raise money to continue supporting those with congenital heart conditions."

Funds raised at the concert will allow the organisation to continue supporting more than 490 members. The charity, which receives no Government funding, focuses on supporting those with a childhood heart disease present since conception or caused by things such as rheumatic fever, cardiomyopathy, or Kawasaki disease.

They are the only New Zealand organisation dedicated to this cause, providing lifelong support.

There are approximately 18 branches across the country run by volunteers, who are often parents or caregivers of those living with heart disease.

Each week around 12 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. These children often face numerous surgeries throughout their lives and require ongoing help, whether it be through education, emotional support or meeting others sharing the same experience.

Heart Kids Manawatu will be holding their next event, the heart stopper challenge, later this year. The usual date of May has been postponed - for more information visit www.heartnz.org.nz.