A fun and unique fundraising event not to be missed.  Form a team of 4-6 people, dress in costume and plunge into an icy pool for 5 minutes.  Held in various locations around the country.

We invite you to take part in a unique and fun fundraising event to support the 12 babies born every week with a heart defect in New Zealand.

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Before the introduction of paediatric heart-lung bypass in the 80’s, a baby requiring cardiac surgery was placed in an icy slush to slow the heart’s oxygen requirements, giving more time for the surgeon to carry out the procedure. Thankfully these days we have more modern techniques, and the icy slush is only used occasionally as a direct application in the chest cavity, or around the child’s head. The use of this icy slush provides the inspiration for our Heart Stopper Challenge.

Held in various locations around the country between March and May, the Heart Stopper Challenge is a popular event. Teams of 4 - 6 people dress in costume and plunge into a spa pool filled with icy cold water for 5 minutes. The temperature sits around 9 degrees and takes one’s breath away, but is all for a wonderful cause.

Teams can be young or old, big or small (in fact a little extra body mass is a bonus in this event!), and can be made up of colleagues, friends, family or anyone else who is brave enough to take the plunge.

Teams can register by visiting www.heartstopper.org.nz, selecting their local event, and setting up their online fundraising page. By registering, team members are pledging to raise $100 each to support the work of @Heart in their local community.

Funds raised from the Heart Stopper Challenge events are used to support heart families staying on the National Paediatric Cardiac Ward in Auckland, and at home in their own communities.

To find out more or to register a team please visit www.heartstopper.org.nz, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Like us at http://www.facebook.com/heartstopperchallenge to keep up with photos and info from the events.