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.
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