CHSF needs your votes in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026!
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is up for an award in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, the world’s leading campaign celebrating films for good, and is calling on the public to vote and help their film win.
The video shortlisted is our short film about the outstanding career of super heart surgeon Ms Carin Van Doorn OBE. The piece follows Carin’s career at Leeds, and showcases not only her personal impact but the importance of our world-class Leeds Congenital Heart Unit as a whole and why it desperately needs vital funds and support.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Our film is more than just Carin’s story – it’s a celebration of our amazing heart unit, and our incredible patients and families. We’d love for our community to show their support by watching, voting, and sharing.” – Olivia Lewis, Digital Marketing Manager
Now in its ninth year, the Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s largest platform for films with purpose, celebrating creativity, compassion, and positive change. Previous hosts have included household names such as Lisa Snowdon and comedian and TV host Tom Allen, alongside attendees industry experts from leading creative and humanitarian organisations.
Voting closes 30th January
About the Smiley Charity Film Awards
The Smiley Charity Film Awards celebrate the best in cause-led storytelling, shining a spotlight on charities, social enterprises, and community organisations using film to make a difference.
Since launching, the Awards have helped thousands of organisations reach millions of new viewers, attract fresh supporters, and drive real-world impact. “The Smiley Charity Film Awards remind us just how powerful storytelling can be. These films don’t just raise awareness – they move us, connect us, and remind us of the good that exists in the world. Each vote is a moment of recognition for those turning compassion into action.” — Lorna Milliken, Managing Director, Smiley Movement
Find out more at smileycharityfilmawards.com
Heart hero inspires Welcome Break Charitable Fund donation
Young heart patient Isabel has inspired a huge donation of £7,861 from Welcome Break Charitable Fund to Leeds-based Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF). Isabel’s dad Kevin Morris works for Welcome Break as a Brand Excellence Coach, and he put CHSF’s name forwards to...
New CHD animation: Fontan Circulation
Thanks to your donations, we have just released a new animated video explaining the Fontan circulation and how patients with single ventricle heart defects are typically treated. This video was created in collaboration with specialists from the Leeds Congenital Heart...
Louie
Louie’s journey through complex heart surgery has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this blog, Louie's mum Emily shares the story of their time in hospital, the incredible care they received and the strength their family found through the toughest of times. “On...