Blue banner with hearts that reads 'Because of Carin' Carin is in cursive with a heart drawn at the end of the 'n'. Photo of Carin Van Doorn smiling and holding a Katie Bear

“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:

Supporting families through the storm
“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

Vital medical resources
“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

Nurturing our local heart community
“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

World-class care
“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.”
Carin gowned up for theatre, mid operation in a mask. Carin on the ward, smiling and holding a baby. Carin with a child while abroad with Chain of Hope charity. Carin and Kevin Watterson

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

Girl in a hospital bed smiling and holding a Katie Bear teddy.

£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.

Fingers resting on a Kardia device that links to a mobile phone and reads a person's heart rate. At the top of the image is a smartphone showing a heart trace line.

£125 could pay for

A KardiaMobile device which attaches to a smart phone and monitors heart rhythms in children at home, so they don’t have to miss school for hospital appointments.

Family Support Worker making a bed in CHSF Parent Accommodation with an NHS Housekeeper, they are smiling and fluffing pillows

£750 could pay for

15 nights in CHSF parent accommodation for 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.”

Surgeon Ms Carin Van Doorn, smiling. Carin has short, dark hair and is wearing glasses and blue scrubs

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

Surgeon Ms Carin Van Doorn, smiling. Carin has short, dark hair and is wearing glasses and blue scrubs

After dedicating her life to children’s cardiac care, we want to ensure that Carin’s legacy at Leeds lives on after she retires. You can help us do just that.

Because of Carin: Billy

Because of Carin: Billy

As part of our Because of Carin campaign, celebrating the incredible career of Carin van Doorn, Billy’s family share their memories of her support. Carin performed two life-saving heart surgeries on Billy - and their words show just how much her care and dedication...

Because of Carin: Seth

Because of Carin: Seth

Heart mum Charlotte found out at her 20-week scan that her little boy Seth had Transposition of the Great Arteries. Charlotte told us about Seth’s journey through treatment at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and how he is faring back home in Chesterfield.written by...

Because Of Carin: Letter from Carin

Because Of Carin: Letter from Carin

Dear CHSF supporter, After more than 30 years in congenital cardiac surgery and over a decade leading the team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU), I will soon be retiring.It has been the privilege of my life to care for babies, children, teenagers and adults...