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
Oliver: “My heart story”
Meet Oliver from Hull who was born with a heart condition called Tetralogy of fallot. Thanks to the life-saving work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, Oliver is thriving and has been able to pursue art as a hobby and, more recently, a career in finance!Now 22,...
The stage is set for brave young dancing star, Ava – Yorkshire Post
"We owe everything to the incredible team at CHSF.” The Yorkshire Theatre ballet stage is set for brave young dancing star Ava An 11-year-old girl from Liversedge in West Yorkshire who was born with two holes in her heart and required open heart surgery aged just 10...
Brownies’ sponsored silence inspired by Olivia
Isabelle attends 1st Allerton Bywater Brownies. She wanted to earn her ‘Charity’ badge and so chose to fundraise for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. By doing so she would also earn her Gold Award before moving up to Guides.Isabelle wrote a lovely letter to the charity...