October 8, 2026 
Corporate 
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.
