Hello,

My name is Val Frew and I work for More Than in Liverpool, part of the RSA Group.

In summer 2011 a charitable secondment was announced and Vera Reynolds in my office came straight over to see me to make sure I was made aware of this as Vera thought it sounded the perfect opportunity for me to do more work with the charity I am Chairwoman for – The Children’s Heart Association, Alder Hey branch.

As soon as I read the details, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

The secondment was offered by RSA to all employees worldwide to work with a local charity for up to 3 months. I put in my application and chose to work with the Children’s Heart Association if I was successful with my application.

I have done voluntary work with CHA for around 10yrs and CHA is a big part of my life. I got involved because my nephew, Matthew, who is now 12 was born with a major heart condition called hyper plastic left heart. I wanted to be able to help others who go through what we have been through and make a difference for other families. I was asked to take on role a volunteer chair for Alder Hey branch and at first I agreed to it for 6 months, Ten years later I am still chair of Alder hey and now Vice Chair on National Executive Committee too.

We are a support group for families of children who have a heart condition, or have had a heart condition. We have no paid workers – everything is done on a voluntary basis.

We have branch meetings and we arrange trips and fundraising events.

I was successful with my secondment and was granted the full 3 months off work with pay to do more.

To say I was delighted would be an understatement. I really do appreciate being given this opportunity and I know I will be able to do more to help others. I have a real passion to help children and their families.

Val Frew
A very proud volunteer of CHA

I plan to keep a record of all my activities during my secondment and they are recorded pages to follow….