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 born with
congenital heart defects, and to walk alongside families through some of their most difficult days.

My journey began in the Netherlands. I then moved to the UK, training in Yorkshire and at Great Ormond Street and Birmingham Children’s Hospitals, before returning to Leeds to work as a young consultant for three years.

Over the next decade, I spent time working at Great Ormond Street Hospital and then in Denmark but in 2013 came back to Leeds to lead the Congenital Heart Surgery Team. I am proud to be part of our amazing team, and have had the privilege to operate on thousands of children and adults born with heart defects, and we have pioneered life-saving procedures for infants and adults alike.

Your support for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) since it formed in 1988, has helped enable every advance. What I’ve come to see during my time in post is that behind every surgery is a family’s courage – and their need for support. Our work is made possible not just by medical treatment but by care, compassion and community. This is why CHSF is so essential in supporting heart families.

Being awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours this year was a deeply humbling moment. But the greatest reward of my career has always been seeing the positive impact of my work on the lives of patients and their families.

I want to also dedicate this campaign to patients we were unable to save at the LCHU, despite our best efforts. Those who gained their angel wings too early continue to provide the inspiration to improve treatment and care for future generations.

If my work and career has touched you, or if you simply believe in giving children the best chance at life, I ask you from the bottom of my heart – please donate today.

You can give securely at:
justgiving.com/campaign/because-of-carin

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.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ms Carin van Doorn OBE
Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon
Trustee, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund

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.

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 by donating to the ‘Because of Carin’ appeal.