Love is in the air this #FundraisingFriday and we are definitely feeling the love from amazing fundraiser, Adam who got everyone he knew involved to raise some vital cash for CHSF!
Adam Jones: Fishing Competition
We asked Adam why he decided to fundraise for CHSF:
The face that these wonderful staff have helped so much and have saved my nephews life on more than one occasion, as well as giving him a chance at a decent life is amazing. I felt I had to do something to show my appreciation.
I decided as I like fishing to set up a fishing competition and a charity raffle. I had some amazing sponsors for prizes – not limited to just fishing either. Eventhough the event itself didn’t have many attendees, the raffle did really well, and with the JustGiving page raised £650!
At work (Ardagh Group) my crew, along with a company top up, raised funds via football cards and bonus balls. This added to the amount already raised took the total amount to £1000. This all went to two fantastic well deserving causes as appreciation for all the help and support they’ve given to my sister-in-law Lisa and my nephew Ollie.
Adam’s workplace Ardagh Group said:
We as Company and our Operations Manager James Grant over the last few years have implemented CSR (corporate social responsibility) into our company. The basics behind it is we raise money and fundraise for charities to give something back to our community and others.
The money we donated to your cause was from ‘B CREW shift’ and ‘Ardagh Glass’ over a 12 month period organised by Andy Sharp B Crew CRS Rep.
Ollie’s mum, Lisa wanted to say an extra thank you to the people that helped her family…
I would like to thank Dr Jaber and all the fantastic staff for all the help and support they have given us through all the time Ollie has been at Leeds before, during and post op. They’ve been a real help and comfort.
My brother in-law Adam decided to try and do some sort of charity event to raise funds for Children’s HEart Surgery Fund as a thank-you from us all as I was a little pre-occupied!
Fancy fundraising for CHSF? Fill in our Fundraiser Registration Form or get in touch with Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams to discuss your ideas on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810
The winners of the seventh Child Friendly Leeds Awards were announced at a space-themed ceremony at Leeds City Varieties on Thursday.
We are delighted to report that CHSF heart hero Danny Hirst walked away with the award for Young Person of the Year (11-21) 2020!
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’s Lisa Williams nominated Danny for this award in recognition of all the amazing fundraising he has done for our charity, as well as always flying the CHSF and raising awareness of our cause.
Senior Community Fundraising Manager, Lisa said:
Danny always goes above and beyond, year on year, to take on new challenges, fundraise and volunteer his time. We wanted to recognise his great efforts and are so pleased he won this amazing award. Great achievement Danny and well deserved. Thank you for everything you do!
The awards celebrate all the hard work that is happening across the city of Leeds to make it one of the best places for children and young people to grow up in.
It was organised by ten young people – Tentastic Productions – aged 11-15, who planned every aspect of the ceremony, from designing the decorations and writing the script, to selecting the talented young performers who entertained guests.
Young Person of the Year (11–21):
Danny Hirst: Danny was born with a hole in his heart. In 2016, he had a mechanical valve fitted. He has fundraised for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund by organising a ‘Wear Red Day’, taking part in ‘Superhero Walks’, doing a 10-storey building abseil, and persuading his mum to jump out of a plane.
We spoke to Danny about how it felt to win this award…
I was really pleased to be nominated for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2020 Young Person of the Year (11-21). Because the charity has helped me so much I enjoy doing what I can to fundraise and help out.
After seeing the other people shortlisted for the award, I was really surprised to hear my name announced as the winner. It feels amazing!
We are all incredibly proud of all Danny has achieved and continues to do for our charity. What ever will he get up to next?!
This month we would like to recognise two outstanding families for their fundraising and name both the Hall Family and the Varley Family as Fundraisers of the Month.
We caught up with them all to ask them about what they have been up to to raise money for CHSF and what inspires them to keep fundraising…
Why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
In 2017, a family in the local area decided to set up a Facebook page to reach out to other heart families in Kippax (Leeds) and surrounding areas. This was to set up a support group where we could get together, share our stories, support each other and our children could make new friends.
As a result of this, a number of us have become really good friends and have regular catch ups both as an adult group and family group. Oscar was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries in 2014 and Ruby was both Tetralogy of Fallot in 2009. We’re always looking for ways to give something back for the support we received.
As we get together a couple of times through the year, we had the idea of hosting a Christmas party that would raise funds for CHSF at the same time. So, The Hall family and Varley family started to take steps in organising and planning an afternoon full of activities and entertainment from superheroes to children’s entertainment – and of course, Santa.
The Hall Family
When Oscar was diagnosed with Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after birth, we didn’t know what was going to happen and what it meant for him to get better.
We were asked a couple of days later if we’d like accommodation in the hospital which would enable us to be near him all the time. We live in Leeds and didn’t expect anything like this but it was a huge help. In the room was a badge that said the rooms were supported and funded by CHSF which started our connection with them.
Once on Ward L51, we started to see more that CHSF did to support children with heart defects and how this also helped us. Mainly it was the accommodation support that we were most grateful for, especially at the time of Oscar’s main arterial switch operation.
The Varley Family
When Ruby was born there was no parent accommodation for us available at that time as it was very limited. But in the nine years that have passed since Ruby’s last surgery the difference the charity has made is amazing. The support was there even before we arrived on the ward. You could see all the CHSF stickers on everything the charity had made happen. It felt great to have helped in some way towards those things.
The support we received from CHSF during our daughter’s recent surgery was amazing. We were allocated parent accommodation which made seeing Ruby so much easier. We felt relieved we could be there at a moment’s notice if Ruby needed us.
Lisa from CHSF was always on the ward and always came to check on us so having that relationship with the charity is amazing. We were even offered free gym sessions at Firehouse Fitness gym if we needed to work off some steam!
What fundraising have you completed for CHSF?
Over the years both families have done various fund raisers to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. From taking part in Superhero Walks, holding fundraising nights, Wear Red Days etc.
The Halls: At Oscars christening, rather than receiving gifts, we asked for donations to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund instead. Alex’s Mum and Dad renewed their wedding vows and they asked for donations rather than gifts also.
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
If you are thinking of doing a fundraiser, we would say to utilise your friend and family circles as they may have skills and talents to offer to help out.
Don’t be afraid to ask support from anywhere – you’d be surprised at how willing others are to help. Also, pick things that you will enjoy doing as your fundraiser!
“Children’s Heart Surgery Fund have been absolutely amazing for our families, our wider family group and others we meet through events and parties. Without their support, the journey families go through with their children would be much harder.”
Feeling inspired to give something back and raise much-needed funds for a great cause?
Get in touch with Lisa Williams, on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810 or download our events calendar here for inspiration and to see other ways to get involved.
This week’s #FundraisingFriday celebrates perfect opposites – a cake-filled coffee morning and a sponsored slim!
Whether it’s baking buns or counting calories, what could you do to support Children’s Heart Surgey Fund?
Seth’s Coffee Morning
Seth’s Mum Rebecca said:
Seth was treated on Ward L51 in July last year. He was 6 days old when he had his switch operation. The work and support the staff on the heart ward provide is priceless, and we just wanted to give a little something back.
My friend organised a raffle with some great prizes local to us in Barnsley/Sheffield and between us we hosted a coffee morning – which was also a little celebration of how well Seth is doing. We can’t thank Leeds enough for the support to Seth and us as a family.
Sponsored Slim
A huge thank you to Andrew & Colin for organising a sponsored slim on behalf of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
They said:
We loved helping the children’s heart ward, the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and CHSF through healthy eating and robust tenacity!
We chose Children Heart Surgery Fund as Alfie and our family has received help, care and support from this wonderful charity!
Fancy fundraising for CHSF? Fill in our Fundraiser Registration Form or get in touch with Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams to discuss your ideas on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810
Heart theatre nurse Filipa Ferreira is encouraging everyone to take part in a charity fitness challenge to kick start the new decade.
She took on a Portuguese coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) late last year, and wants others to get fit and raise money at the same time.
Filipa works in the Leeds Children’s Hospital’s hybrid theatre which uses medical equipment funded by CHSF supporters, and saves the lives of young patients with congenital heart disease every day.
She sees first-hand the work that CHSF does for patients, their families and the staff at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
Filipa said:
I was supposed to walk just 280km (this is the official distance), but in the end I finished walking 337km! It’s an incredible walk and I even had the opportunity to take CHSF’s mascot Katie Bear with me to keep me company. The best advice I can give is do challenges that are good for you – and at the same time fundraise money for this amazing charity! It’s a good way to say thank you for the hard work the charity do, and a good way to help others.
CHSF organises a range of charity events all year round, including a new one for this year –
the Big Swim.
The challenge involves swimming the length of the English Channel, but over multiple swims and in a local pool.
CHSF CEO Sharon Milner said:
Our Big Swim challenge means you can have fun, keep fit and de-stress, knowing your fundraising is making a huge difference. With nearly 1 in 100 babies in the UK born with a congenital heart defect, we owe a huge thank you to all donors – including Filipa – who put their time and energy into raising vital funds for CHSF. We have a good range of challenge events available all year round to suit all abilities and fitness levels, so please get involved in 2020.
Entry to
the Big Swimis just £5 at
chsf.org.uk/events, and fundraisers will receive a pack through the post, and all the support they need from CHSF.
Events on offer for 2020 also include running and cycling events plus gravity-defying challenges like the Wing Walk and Abseil. Fundraisers can also devise their own event challenges, and will enjoy the full support of the CHSF team.
Filipa had this final message for readers:
I would like to ask all of you reading this… think about one challenge you would like to do, go for it and raise some money for this amazing charity!
To take part in an event for CHSF, simply visit chsf.org.uk/events to read more, or get a fundraising pack at
chsf.org.uk/get-involved.
For the first #FundraisingFriday of 2020 we have inspirational supporters raising money in all sorts of ways!
From an open-gym and a community music festival to a local heart warrior jumping out of a plane for a good cause – we can’t wait to see what you will all get up to in 2020 to support CHSF!
The family of Ashton Clark
We wanted to support CHSF because in March 2019 our son had open heart surgery at Leeds Children’s Hospital by Mr Jaber!
The care and support we received whilst there was out of this world and we felt we needed to give something back – so we decided to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund!
With the help of Intensity Cheer and Dance Rotherham we ran a charity raffle and a charity open-gym that enabled us to raise money to support those in our position and to give something back to the fantastic charity!
Leah Kitchen
Heart Warrior Leah Kitchen did a Skydive for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund back in September 2019. Leah said:
I wanted to raise money for this amazing charity after they helped me so much.
In December 2017 I underwent emergency open heart surgery.
They were all outstanding and I felt I wanted to give something back to say thank you – and this was the perfect way.
The Miners Arms, Morley
Peter Pinder, landlord of The Miners Arms in Morley, Leeds, organised a charity music festival to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Morley Fest 2019 featured a whole host of local bands and artists and drew a fantastic crowd from the local community.
This is the second year customers and staff of the pub have supported CHSF and we really appreciate all the efforts they have made to once again raise a fantastic amount.
A huge thanks to everyone who attended and donated on the day.
Fancy fundraising for CHSF? Fill in our Fundraiser Registration Form or get in touch with Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams to discuss your ideas on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810
To kick off 2020, we are incredibly proud to announce the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit’s very own Filipa Ferreira as January’s Fundraiser of the Month.
Based mainly in our new Hybrid Theatre, Filipa is a nurse who works in the Cath Labs team at Leeds Children’s Hospital. Filipa sees first hand the work Children’s Heart Surgery Fund does for patients, families and staff and wanted to give something back.
We spoke to Filipa and asked her all about what she got up to to raise vital funds for CHSF…
Filipa, how did you decide to fundraise for CHSF?
I decided to do a walking challenge so I took on the Portuguese coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela, famous as one of the St. James’ Way. I started at Porto Cathedral in Portugal and finished at St. James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain!
I was supposed to walk just 280km (this is the official distance), but in the end I finished walking 337km! It’s an incredible walk and I even had the opportunity to take Katie Bear with me to keep me company.
It was an amazing experience for me, and I believe for Katie as well! We crossed beautiful cities, villages, landscapes, rivers, churches, people, good food, and we enjoyed every minute of the journey.
It wasn’t easy all the time but we managed and finished without any blisters on our feet! Phew!
Why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
I chose to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund because I can see all the support the charity gives to families with congenital heart problems as well as the help they give to the staff that work with the congenital cardiac patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
The charity is so well organised and gives so much support to families and staff. I felt I should help and give a little bit back to the charity that gives to the department I work for. I believe all together we can build the best experience for patients with congenital heart disease and their families.
How has CHSF helped you specifically?
I am not a patient but am on the other side. I am a member of staff at Leeds Children’s Hospital and I can see all the support the charity gives to families first hand. Thanks to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’s Keeping The Beat campaign and all the generous supporters we were able to build the new hybrid lab, where I currently work – so this is one way to say thank you to the charity and to all of you who continue to fundraise!
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
The best advice I can give is do challenges that are good for you – and at the same time fundraise money for this amazing charity! It’s a good way to say thank you for the hard work the charity do and a good way to help others.
And the last word from Filipa…
I just want to say a huge thank you for everything Children’s Heart Surgery Fund supports. The charity show so much commitment to doing an amazing job with our patients and their families.
At the same time they help a lot our staff to go on training courses outside of the hospital trust, they donate new equipment, and help to decorate the ward so the children feel less stressed when they come to visit us.
I would like to ask all of you reading this…think about one challenge you would like to do, go for it and raise some money for this amazing charity!
Feeling inspired to give something back and raise much-needed funds for a great cause?
Get in touch with Lisa Williams, on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810 or download our events calendar here for inspiration and to see other ways to get involved.
A Yorkshire mum is encouraging local supporters to remember young heart patients from the region who are spending Christmas in the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
She is endorsing a festive fundraising campaign to accrue vital donations for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) at
chsf.org.uk/heartsforlife.
Rebecca Rodgers from Keighley, is mum to daughter Bella – who spent her first at Leeds Children’s Hospital in 2014.
And she says the public should contribute to the Hearts for Life Christmas campaign set up by CHSF.
Rebecca said:
Bella was born in December 2014 and had her first open heart surgery at just 5 days old. I remember that time like it was yesterday and every day felt like a week, but the staff made Christmas a joyous experience despite what was happening. She has just celebrated her 5th birthday, and we are forever grateful to every single person involved in her care at Leeds. Please donate to the Hearts for Life campaign to make sure other babies and children like Bella have the best chance of survival.
Bella was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS), which means she has no right ventricle. Her heart condition was diagnosed when Rebecca was 20 weeks pregnant.
Bella’s next heart procedure is due early next year and every operation is expected to prolong and give her a better quality of life.
The Rodgers family have been active supporters of CHSF ever since Bella was born, raising thousands of pounds over the years, and this year they have collected and hand-wrapped 400 selection boxes for the CHSF Christmas Party.
Rebecca added:
We have made some of the best memories thanks to CHSF, which included the charity Christmas parties. We learnt that the best way to deal with anything that was thrown our way was to find a positive. That’s why we decided to put our energy into providing treats for young patients and their families.
CHSF are wholly public-funded, and the annual Christmas party is free for patients recently treated and their families, thanks to donations from supporters across the region.
Funds mainly provide vital resources for patients and families including life-support machines and medical kit which save lives every day, the parent accommodation which Rebecca stayed in while Bella was being treated and distraction equipment like TVs and toys on the wards.
Rebecca said:
All of the distraction aids help make the experience of hospital less stressful and relatively easier under the circumstances. We know that donations go directly towards making the journey through hospital more bearable for families, and encourage readers to get involved with CHSF however they can.
22,000 patients of all ages with congenital heart disease pass through the Leeds Heart Unit every year, and CHSF CEO Sharon Milner says the number is not likely to decrease any time soon:
12 babies are diagnosed with congenital heart disease every day in the UK. And as scientific understanding increases, so does the number of patients living with CHD. Our plans for the future are ambitious and include comprehensive care for affected families, as well as continuing to provide the very best care for poorly patients like Bella and Ruby as they grow up. Please help us support the Hearts for Life campaign into 2020 and beyond.
The Hearts for Life campaign introduces direct debt to the CHSF’s roster of giving options, and supporters are encouraged to pay a little every month.
Rebecca stars in the emotive CHSF campaign video, along with dad Steve, and sons Riley and Harley, which is available to watch at
chsf.org.uk/heartsforlife.
After finding out his granddaughter, Emilia, had a serious congenital heart defect, Mick Dunderdale started to think about ways he could raise funds to thank those who saved her life. He chose…BANGER RACING!
Halloween Banger Meeting
Eddie Wright Raceway
Emilia’s parents told us a bit about their daughters story…
After finding out about our daughters condition we were obviously devastated, distraught and nervous about what was coming.
After getting our heads around it somewhat, the nearer the day came when we had go to the hospital for Emilia to have her surgery the more we were panicking. But every experience we had – from getting the first diagnosis from Dr Brown to having our consultation with Mr Jaber – they made us feel nothing but as positive and as calm as they could.
The same can be said for everyone on Ward L51 pre and post-surgery and everyone on L47 (PICU). The care they gave Emilia, everything they did for her and us was nothing short of amazing.
They couldn’t have done more to make her and us comfortable through the whole process.
We could never thank them enough for what they’ve done for us, saving our little girls life.
We will be forever grateful and no amount of money will be enough but we are so happy to have contributed towards a great cause so they can carry on doing what they do and save lives.
Mick Dunderdale, Emilia’s Grandad said:
After Emilia’s heart surgery I was trying to think of a way we could raise funds for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund which was a little different. I organise banger racing at Eddie Wright raceway in Scunthorpe and so I thought what better way than to do that?
The Halloween meeting is are largest we do there with children’s fancy dress, face painting, fairground rides and a massive firework display (which is one of the largest and best around!) And then we throw in a great afternoon’s banger racing with the highlight been the 3 wheeler gold roof championship! If you have never seen this it is a must and you will not be disappointed!
We are going to run this event every year now to raise funds for CHSF and we will offer any family whose children that has had surgery through Leeds free entrance to next year’s event – Saturday 31 October 2020.
We will be supported by the charity’s own Katie Bear and Lisa Williams. as as we were this year. If you would like to attend please just let Lisa know and I will organise the rest!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the drivers, staff and everybody that helped out on the day. We couldn’t have done what we did without them all! I hope to see you all next year at this great event!
Thanks, Mick
(Also on behalf of Robert & Gail Godfrey, Track Owners at Eddie Wright Raceway, Scunthorpe)
Fancy fundraising for CHSF? Fill in our Fundraiser Registration Form or get in touch with Community Fundraiser Lisa Williams to discuss your ideas on lisa.williams@chsf.org.uk | 0113 831 4810
Although very sad, December’s Fundraiser of the Month story is an incredible example of how family and friends can come together when faced with adversity and do something amazing.
We spoke to Travis’ dad, Ben, about celebrating his son’s heart anniversary and how he carried on fundraising for CHSF when Travis’ mum Hayley suddenly passed away earlier this year…
Ben, Travis’ dad said:
Our youngest son, Travis was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at our 20 week scan and this is the reason why we chose to raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Ever since the diagnosis our lives were turned upside down and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were there to support us and give Travis the chance of a normal, happy life.
Travis has had two open heart surgeries and we became part of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund family, as well as the cardiac ward and PICU at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
We can’t thank these guys enough for everything they have done and continue to do for us.
Travis’ mum, Hayley, started the ball rolling with organising a football family fun day.
We wanted to do this to celebrate the anniversary of Travis’ first heart surgery, which was held on Sunday 22nd September.
Sadly Travis’ Mum passed away before the event took place. It was her wish to carry on fundraising for this charity that is so close to all our hearts.
We are all so thankful for the support we have received and we encourage others to do the same and fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund
CHSF’s Lisa Williams said:
The support we have received from Hayley and Ben’s friends and family has been absolutely amazing! They all pulled together at such a sad, difficult time to make the charity football event happen for Travis’s Heart Anniversary.
I personally wanted to thank everyone that has been involved in volunteering, selling raffle tickets and playing in the football matches. I know each and every one of you will have made Hayley so proud with what you achieved.
You are an amazing community and your kindness is very much appreciated by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. The current total raised is now an incredible £21,502.68. Thank you to you all.
