“Thank you so much for meeting us in clinic. we really appreciated the chat and the goodie bag. You calmed us all down” — heart mum

52 families supported in September

27 families received a tailored package of Family Support
24 families engaged with
12 travel grants given
27 supermarket vouchers given
116 visits to the ward
5 one to one Youth Work sessions
9 Comfort & Care packs given
45 received Wellbeing Support

Support at every stage

Baby essentials delivery

This month the Family Support team visited PICU’s Breastfeeding Room, the neonatal ward and Eckersley house to deliver bundles of baby wipes and baby bath wash to new parents.

New Comfort and Prayer packs ready to launch

We worked closely with the Muslim chaplaincy team to create our new Comfort and Prayer packs – to make sure we get them just right for what families need.
The Muslim chaplain will also be supporting CHSF to develop posters in Urdu and Punjabi which will enable families to request packs when needed.

Study packs

September saw the start of a new school year and for some young people that fell while they were in hospital. CHSF have provided Study Packs to teenagers on the ward, making sure they have everything they need to continue to do school work and revise as needed.

Family stories and messages

Four months of support in hospital

We spent four months supporting the family of a newborn in the hospital – from meeting the family on the neonatal ward hours after he was born, to saying goodbye to them on Ward 51 hours before they were discharged. Every step the family took during their hospital journey the CHSF Family Support team were there to walk beside them.

Some examples of how we helped: providing a grant to Dad so he could travel to take care of home life and older sibling; giving weekly food vouchers to encourage Mum to take time away to eat, refuel and meet her own needs; offering mindfulness resources and essential toiletries; making plans to ensure big sister felt involved and cared for; and being a present and familiar face to Mum during the long isolating days on the ward. CHSF were a constant source of support.

When a family has no control over the big things, we support them to plan and control what they can. This support plan is more than a grant and a smile – for some it’s a lifeline.

On the day of discharge Mum had some wonderful feedback to share:

“The travel was amazing, but the constant drop-ins have helped so much. Whether i was happy or sad you would give your time and a personal touch to the support we had. Even as a whole family – offering ideas to help when i hadn’t seen my daughter and she was struggling. You really bridge the gap between the medical and personal side of being in hospital I can’t think of anything that was missing. You have been amazing”

Teamwork makes the dream work

“Good morning, Sarah, just to let you know we’ve been discharged and we are home now and would love to say a big thank you to all the members of your team for all your care and support all through our stay in the hospital, once again we appreciate you all, thank you” – message from a heart dad

In a world of constant change and sudden storms, a familiar face can be an anchor

Following a long-term hospital admission and spending months on the children’s heart ward, one of our families was transferred to another ward in Leeds Children’s Hospital – still under Cardiac Care but receiving support for other health needs.

On Ward 51, the family received a full package of tailored support and regular check in’s from Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. They had Family Support visits, a Katie Bear delivery and many Wellbeing Wednesday’s. With a whole new ward to get settled into, a new routine and new faces to build trust with, the family struggled with the change.

We visited the family on their new ward to let them know that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were still here for them and we delivered a bag of activities and Comfort and Care items. Mum was overcome with emotion. She told Head of Family Support Sarah that they were happy tears and said how nice it was to see somebody familiar.

“The kindness and the little things mean so much to us, the support has been great” – heart mum

CHSF offers belonging, community and understanding

“I have been told that we cannot go home yet. I told the nurse I needed to make a phone call and the only person I wanted to ring was you. I thought I need to tell her what I am struggling with because you will understand, many people don’t like to get involved. I am on my own and you treat me like family, you are always there for me

“I will always pray for your family, I wish you all good health and happiness. You always give me the strength I need, and I will forever be grateful to you and the charity. Even the girls that came with the drinks and snacks on the ward (wellbeing trolley) the kindness is amazing and makes me feel less alone.” – message from a mum to Sarah, Head of Family Support

Caddick has donated £10,000 to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), the dedicated charity supporting the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU) at Leeds General Infirmary.

Since the partnership with CHSF began, Caddick has donated a total of £183,620. This significant donation will directly support CHSF’s Family Support team, helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges that often accompany a congenital heart disease diagnosis.

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund knows that caring for people with congenital heart disease involves more than treating the heart itself. Families often face long hospital stays, financial pressures, uncertainty, and emotional strain. That’s why, in 2021, CHSF established its dedicated Family Support team. The service was made possible with the help of funding from long-term charity supporter, Caddick.

Led by Sarah Cherry, Head of Family Support, the team provides tailored emotional and practical support to heart patients and their families at every stage of their journey, ensuring nobody has to face the challenges of congenital heart disease alone.

Speaking about the difference Sarah’s support made during an incredibly difficult time, one mum recently shared:

“I was told we could not go home yet. The first thing I did was tell the nurse I needed to make a phone call and the only person I wanted to ring was you. I knew I could tell you what I was struggling with because you understand. Many people don’t like to get involved, and I am on my own. But you treat me like family. You are always there for me.”

After Sarah stepped in with a tailored package of emotional and practical support, the mum later reached out again with a message that demonstrates the life-changing impact of the CHSF Family Support team:

“You give me the strength I need, and I will forever be grateful to you and the charity. Even the team who bring the drinks and snacks to the ward on the wellbeing trolley, their kindness is amazing. It makes me feel so much less alone.”

Ruth Davany, CEO at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, said:

“Families facing congenital heart disease often find themselves navigating some of the toughest moments of their lives, and having someone there to listen, guide and support them can make all the difference. Moments like these are only possible because of partners like Caddick. Since our partnership began, Caddick has raised and donated an incredible £183,620 to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Their generosity has helped us provide practical, emotional and financial support to countless heart families across Yorkshire and beyond.”

Caddick’s support has also played a vital role in funding a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) for cardiac patients at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Around 60% of children who undergo cardiac surgery can experience swallowing difficulties, creating challenges with feeding, drinking and nutrition. These difficulties can affect growth and development, making specialist support crucial during a child’s recovery.

Since joining the team, Speech and Language Therapist Jess has made a significant difference to babies and children on the heart ward. The impact of the role means patients can often be assessed on the same day, ensuring families receive earlier support and intervention when it matters most.

Having a dedicated SLT post has also helped the cardiac unit meet NHS England’s Standards for Cardiac Care 88% of the time, demonstrating the value of specialist support within the multidisciplinary team.

One mum said:

“The funding has helped support so many families like mine, including some who don’t have a voice, and has given children the time and support they deserve to be able to eat and drink.”

We are pleased to say that, due to the impact of Jess’s role, the NHS has now taken on funding for this position, ensuring this vital support continues to be available for heart patients and their families.

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) would like to extend a special thank you to Kairen Brown, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Caddick.

Kairen said:

“As a Yorkshire based company, we love supporting the essential work and care that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund carry out at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. We are proud to be corporate partners and are committed to providing for the charity in various ways to raise vital funds.”

Around 1 in 125 babies are born with heart disease in our region. To support CHSF with a donation, visit chsf.org.uk/donate.

“I really appreciate you and your team. Your kind work helped us when we were in hospital. You showed us so much kindness” — heart mum

41 families supported in August

21 families received a tailored package of Family Support
18 families engaged with
9 travel grants given
26 supermarket vouchers given
7 one to one Youth Work sessions
7 attended Cardiac Cafe

Youth Day

This month, we welcomed five young people with congenital heart disease to our summer Youth Event at Catch Farm in Harehills Leeds – for a day of connection, fun and trying something completely new.

Together, we swept up goat poo, held guinea pigs, stepped outside our comfort zones and learned new things. And, of course, we got to meet the alpacas!

The young people told us:

“Today was really fun.”
“I liked holding the guinea pigs. We don’t have pets, so that was great.”
“Meeting the other girls and the team was the best part.”
“I liked lunchtime.”

While these moments might seem simple, they can have a huge impact. For young people living with congenital heart disease (CHD), events like this are a chance to realise they are not alone. They can meet others who understand what it is like to live with a heart condition, build friendships and create positive memories together.

Just as importantly, it gives them the opportunity to meet the CHSF and hospital team outside of a medical environment.

It gives our young people the confidence to try something new, the opportunity to connect with others and a space where they can simply be themselves.

Cardiac Cafes

In August, we hosted three Cardiac Cafés – two in hospital and one in Scarborough – and we were delighted to see such a fantastic turnout at each one.

Scarborough

Our community cafe in Scarborough brought together 11 families, creating a relaxed space where families could connect over a brew and a pastry. For children living with congenital heart disease, it was an opportunity to meet other heart warriors and play together.

For siblings, the café offered the chance to meet other brothers and sisters who simply ‘get it’ without having to explain their experiences, or why life can sometimes be different.

We were also joined at this cafe by an adult heart warrior and his family, which was a particular highlight. Seeing an adult living well with CHD offers families hope for the future and a real-life reminder that a heart condition does not have to define what is possible.

Hospital

Our inpatient Cardiac Cafes provide a different, but equally important kind of support. Being in hospital can be overwhelming and families can spend long periods on the wards with little opportunity to step away from the intensity of their situation.

The two cafes in the hospital this month gave families a chance to leave the ward, take a breath and simply be themselves. Over a cup of tea, they can talk openly, share their experiences and reflect on their journey without judgement – surrounded by other families who understand because they are going through something similar.

These moments of connection can make a huge difference. Cardiac Cafés remind families that they are not alone. They create a community where experiences can be shared, friendships can begin and families can find reassurance from people who truly understand.

Sometimes, the value is in the simplest things – a cup of tea, a conversation and someone saying, ‘We hear you.’ CHSF Cardiac Cafes give families a safe space to feel understood and supported.

When life gives you rain clouds, move the Cardiac Café indoors! ☀️🌧️

Our summer-special Cardiac Café in Scarborough was meant to be a beach get-together, with picnics and sandcastles. But after this week’s weather forecast decided to throw a spanner in the works, we had to make a last-minute change of plan.

Scarborough Library came to the rescue and despite the rain, lots of heart families still joined us – including some who had travelled a long way to be there!

Instead of over ice creams, families chatted over cups of tea and chocolate biscuits – they shared experiences and got to know one another while children enjoyed colouring and play. It was so lovely to see new and familiar faces connecting with each other.

And because a bit of Yorkshire weather doesn’t stop everyone, some families still headed down for a wet and windy stroll along the beach afterwards!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along. Whether on the beach or in the library, spending time together is what Cardiac Café is all about.

For anyone who chose to stay at home in the warm and dry, we hope to see you at another event soon!

Find out more about future events here.

P.S. Before the long drive back to Leeds, Lucy, Olivia and Lauren made sure to enjoy a proper seaside essential… fish and chips, of course! 🐟🍟😋

Thanks to the generous support of the Welcome Break Charitable Fund, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) has been able to provide vital opportunities for heart families to connect, access support and create special memories together over the past year.

From 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026, funding from the Welcome Break Charitable Fund supported a range of services and activities delivered through CHSF’s Family Support service. These initiatives were designed to support the wellbeing of children, young people and families affected by congenital heart disease, while helping to reduce feelings of isolation both in hospital and within local communities.

Cardiac Cafés

The funding enabled CHSF to deliver seven community-based Cardiac Cafés across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, hosted at Family Hubs in Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Wakefield and Sheffield.

These welcoming sessions brought together families and young patients in relaxed environments where they could play, share experiences and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with a heart condition. Families also had the opportunity to speak with members of CHSF’s Family Support Service and professionals from Leeds Congenital Heart Unit while enjoying refreshments.

The Welcome Break Charitable Fund also supported three Cardiac Café events within Leeds General Infirmary, giving parents and carers the chance to take a much-needed break and connect with other families while staying close to their child on the ward. This also included a special Afternoon Tea delivered to the ward in June 2026.

Making memories together

Family events play an important role in helping reduce isolation and build lasting friendships among heart families.

Support from the Welcome Break Charitable Fund helped make two much-loved family events possible. In August 2025, families came together at Temple Newsam for Katie Bear’s Picnic, enjoying fairground games, a craft stall, a bouncy castle and delicious food.

In April 2026, families visited Cannon Hall Farm for Family Day at the Farm, where children and their families enjoyed feeding animals, taking part in a scavenger hunt and spending quality time together with others who share similar experiences.

These events provide opportunities for families to relax, have fun and build supportive networks beyond the hospital setting.

Supporting families in hospital

The funding also helped us provide Comfort and Prayer Packs for Muslim families staying on the ward. The packs included pocket prayer mats, prayer beads or clickers, dua cards and sachets of chai, offering practical and meaningful support during what can often be a challenging time.

In addition, the grant supported gifts and celebrations for young patients throughout the year, helping families mark important milestones and special occasions. This included birthday and Christmas gifts, as well as our “Welcome to the World” cards, given to parents to celebrate the birth of babies receiving treatment at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Because of Isabel

The donation was inspired by young heart warrior Isabel. Her dad Kevin, who works for Welcome Break, said:

“I was more than happy to nominate CHSF for a grant award… What inspires us to help as a family is that Isabel will once again need more surgery – and we will once again need to rely on CHSF’s support.”

Our CEO Ruth said:

“Isabel’s journey is a powerful reminder of why our Family Support service exists… we’re deeply thankful to Kevin and the Morris family, and everyone at Welcome Break.”

We are incredibly grateful to the Welcome Break Charitable Fund for helping us support heart families across our region. Their funding has enabled us to bring people together, celebrate important moments and ensure families have access to emotional and practical support when they need it most.

“Everything made an impact, i cant put my finger on one thing but all the support we received was amazing.” — heart mum

43 families supported in July

23 families received a tailored package of Family Support
20 families engaged with
10 travel grants given
39 supermarket vouchers given
116 visits to the ward
5 one to one Youth Work sessions
7 attended Cardiac Cafe

Support at every stage

Wellbeing boxes

When in hospital, no matter what age you are, we know sometimes all you want is a little treat. The team have been busy this month dropping off wellbeing boxes across the hospital, on the wards we support. The adult heart ward (L16), PICU (L47) and the neonatal ward (L43) received boxes filled with snacks and drinks, as well as a couple mindfulness activities.

Touching base

Always just a phone call away, this month we have had the opportunity to touch base with families who have been discharged. We are now dedicating time to following up with families when they are no longer on the ward, sign-posting them to local services and having conversations to see how families are once the ‘dust has settled’ after they get home

Inpatient Cardiac Cafe

This month the family support team hosted a Cardiac Café in the hospital for families. This was a time for parents and siblings to get away from the ward, have a little something to eat and drink and take some time for themselves.

The CHSF team provided colouring and mindful puzzle activities for parents.

A family who’s child was in surgery came along to take their mind off the day and have a space to simply sit quietly and not have to explain anything, with people who ‘just get it’.

Welcome to Holland

We currently have nine patients who are in hospital following a new diagnosis, and their families are now navigating a new world which can often feel lonely

Our support for new parents is so crucial – offering a listening ear, a friendly familiar face and a welcomed distraction, we can be there to make things a little less isolating

We often witness the grief parents may be experiencing when their child receives a CHD diagnosis. Whilst the love felt is more than a person can imagine, the loss of the life they imagined is still present.

From a mummy who is unable to breastfeed, to a daddy who fears holding their child because of their drains and wires – these are part of a journey they did not imagine they would ever be taking

This takes us to a great poem which was written to help people understand what it is like to raise a child with a disability:

When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Colosseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian, It’s all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.” “Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”

But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It’s just a different place. It’s slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while you catch your breath, you look around… and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills… and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy… and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.

And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away… because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But…if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the lovely things… about Holland.

–Poem by Emily Perl Kingsley

Our extraordinary Orlah

This is the perfect time to introduce you to Orlah. Orlah was born with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. Orlah had open heart surgery following her birth and is doing amazingly well. So amazing in fact that she is now inspiring others through her own social media platform! Give her a follow at Our Extraordinary Orlah | Facebook