Politicians Strip Off For Kids

As the political race heats up, a group of politicians will be cooling their heels in a tub of freezing water in Auckland on Thursday.

The Honourable Paul Goldsmith, Labour’s Helen White and Greens candidate Leilani Tamu will be putting aside their political policies and plunging into an icy pool together. They’ll stay submerged in the 10 degree water for six minutes in the annual 360 Heart Stopper Challenge, September 14th at La Cigale, Parnell, Auckland.

The politicians will join heart families, sports teams, CEO’s and dozens of others in raising awareness for Heart Kids. 12 babies are born every week with a congenital heart defect. A CHD is the most common serious birth abnormality in New Zealand and there is no way to prevent it or cure it.

For Greens candidate Leilani Tamu, the charity is one she holds close to her own heart.

“I've never forgotten the day my best friend's newborn baby was diagnosed with a hole in his heart. He had to have open heart surgery almost immediately after his birth. The work Heart Kids does is invaluable.”

Heart Kids is the only organisation in New Zealand dedicated to providing lifelong care and support for children, young people and families impacted by childhood heart defects (CHD).

Heart Kids CEO Rob Lutter says each year, 600 families have a newborn heart child enter their lives, and they need someone nearby who can listen and offer practical advice and share information, and they need to know they are not alone.

“We also support those families whose children are diagnosed with Rheumatic fever. The fact that New Zealand still has the highest rate of Rheumatic fever in the OECD is a national disgrace. This preventable illness puts all our health services under strain and extreme pressure on families, many of whom are struggling.”

The September 14th Heart Stopper event at La Cigale in Auckland launches the beginning of Heart Stopper Challenges throughout the country.

ENDS

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