September 16, 2025 
Uncategorized 
“As I prepare to leave the operating theatre, I want to know that families will continue to get what they need – because of your support, because of this campaign, and as ever… because of you!”
— Ms Carin Van Doorn OBE
Watch now
To celebrate Carin van Doorn’s amazing career, we have put together this short film which features personal insights from Carin and inspirational input from staff, families and heart heroes.
A huge thank to you everyone involved!
After more than 30 years in congenital cardiac surgery and over a decade leading the team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU), Carin van Doorn OBE will soon be retiring.
Funds raised through the Because of Carin appeal will go towards:“CHSF complement the medical treatment. They offer free parent accommodation, practical, wellbeing and financial support – and they are a shoulder to lean on when families need it the most.”Find out more about CHSF’s Family Support service“Many of our youngest patients require open heart surgery within days of birth. Your donation will help fund critical medical equipment, hospital resources and the staffing to care for them. Filling the gap in resources that the NHS cannot supply.”Read all about some of the vital projects CHSF funded last year in our 2024 Impact Report“CHSF brings our heart families together through regular events and peer networks like their Facebook group for patients and families. This provides reassurance, connection and helps build long-lasting support systems.”Check out our Facebook Group for CHD patients and families“As a surgical trainer, I’ve led many missions to perform cardiac surgery on paediatric patients in low-resource countries. While CHSF only funds work within our region, the expertise developed at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit is shared globally.”
Louie #BecauseOfCarin
“We will never be able to repay Carin van Doorn for taking that chance on our boy, for believing in him and for changing our lives forever. For believing in herself and having confidence in the process. For giving him the chance at life he deserves, the surgery he always deserved and fought so hard for. “A nurse said to me ‘I never really believed in God… but if there is one it’s Carin van Doorn’. The woman that saved our baby boy. Here’s to our little Louie’s road of recovery – to a long, happy and meaningful life because of Carin.”— Louie’s mum, Emily
£15 could pay for
A Katie Bear, medal and certificate given to every child after they have open heart surgery at Leeds. This is a treasured keepsake and a reminder of a child’s bravery.
£125 could pay for
A KardiaMobile devicewhich attaches to a smart phone and monitors heart rhythms in children at home, so they don’t have to miss school for hospital appointments.
£750 could pay for
15 nights in CHSF parent accommodationfor those who don’t live in Leeds, but their child needs surgery at the LCHU. These rooms keep families closer together.
£2,500 could pay for
Hosting Youth Events for one year providing essential peer support and connections with young people who have shared experiences of CHD care across our region.
“Thank you – for your kindness, your support and your belief in CHSF’s mission and the future of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. It has been an absolute honour to be a part of this world-class team.”
Ms Carin van Doorn OBE
Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon
Trustee, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund
“Thank you – for your kindness, your support and your belief in CHSF’s mission and the future of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. It has been an absolute honour to be a part of this world-class team.”
— Ms Carin Van Doorn OBE, Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon & Trustee, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund
