She is a heart mum and Kim has lived it – the countless operations, stress and worry.

Her 26-year-old son has gone under the knife six times which gives her an incredible insight into the many issues both children and families go through when it comes to dealing with heart disease.

“I know just how hard it is and can empathise with a new mum who has just been given the news her precious baby has a heart problem all the way through to a teenager struggling with the idea of facing another surgery when all they want to do is go out with their friends,” she explained.

And Kim travelled to Singleton on Monday to let those in both the medical profession, and families of sick kids, know what help is out there.

“We not only provide emotional support but also physical assistance like care packs to patients and their families when they have been rushed to hospital.  We provide people from rural areas with food vouchers and beverage vouchers at the Royal Sydney and Randwick Hospitals,” she noted.

Besides a visit to the Singleton hospital Kim also met up with local families for afternoon tea at Donut King in Singleton Square.

Michelle Higgins who is also a  heart mum said that one of the bigger challenges about having a child with a heart condition is the unknown. 

“Doctors do such a great job but it's such a complicated condition that decisions can only be made when the heart grows larger, which means there's a lot of waiting,” Mrs Higgins said. 

Heartkids mission is to improve the lives and futures of those affected by childhood Heart Disease by providing high quality, caring support, information and advocacy and to give hope by driving world class research.