Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to find out more about Children’s Heart Surgery Fund? We’ve provided a list of our most frequently asked questions below. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us through our Contact form.

General Questions

Are you registered with the Charity Commission?

Yes, charities of our size have to be registered to the Charity Commission.

Our registered number is 1148359

Are you run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust?

No - while we work closely with the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, which is part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, we are an independent charity.

Can I choose how my money will be spent?

Yes, you are entitled to restrict your money to a specific project or area of spending. We’d be more than happy to talk to you about possible projects if you’d like to do this.

We do, however, encourage unrestricted donations wherever possible as this gives us the flexibility to use your support where it’s needed most and respond quickly to the needs of heart families.

Can I read your annual report and accounts?

Of course. You can find out more information about Children's Heart Surgery Fund, including our annual report and accounts, on the Charity Commission website.

Can I send you cash?

We don’t recommend sending cash in the post for security reasons - but we are able to accept cash if you bring it into the office.

Our address is: B5, Joseph’s Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB

Alternatively, you can make a bank transfer. Find more details about Paying In at chsf.org.uk/ways-to-donate/pay-in-fundraising/

Thank you!

Does CHSF support bereaved families?

We are so sorry for your loss. We understand how incredibly difficult it can be to cope with the death of a child, and that everyone’s journey through grief is different.

You may find it helpful to talk to your GP or local hospice about support options, and there are also specialist organisations who are there to listen and help, including Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) and Child Bereavement UK (0800 028 8840).

While CHSF does not offer a dedicated bereavement service, please know that you will always be part of the CHSF family. You are very welcome at our family events in Leeds and across the region, whenever and if ever you feel ready to attend.

How can I donate to CHSF?

There are a number of ways you can donate to CHSF!

The easiest way is online. Just click/tap the big pink button at the top of this page!

You can find out about the other ways to get donations to us at chsf.org.uk/ways-to-donate/

Thank you!

How can I volunteer for CHSF?

From cheering at marathons and working events to helping behind the scenes, our volunteers make such a difference to children and families across our region. We honestly couldn’t do what we do without them.

If you are interest in volunteering for us, you can find out more at chsf.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/.

How do I donate by cheque?

You can make cheques payable to “Children’s Heart Surgery Fund” and send them to us at: B5, Joseph’s Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB

Thank you!

How do I get in touch with the hospital about my/my child’s heart condition?

Children's Heart Surgery Fund is not a medical resource and cannot provide medical advice.

Heart conditions are very individual and what can be right for one person could potentially be dangerous for another. If you have any questions about yours or your child's condition, please get in touch with Leeds Congenital Heart Unit directly, or the specialist nurses.

www.leedsth.nhs.uk/services/congenital-heart-unit has lots of information, and is a great place to start

Children's Cardiac Nurse Specialists
- ccns.lgi@nhs.net
- 0113 3925467
(Please leave a voicemail, your child's date of birth, their NHS Number if you have it, and your telephone number)

Adult Cardiac Nurse Specialists
- leedsth-tr.achdnurse@nhs.net
- 0113 3928154
(Please leave a voicemail, your date of birth, your NHS number if you have it and your telephone number)

Queries/questions about Leeds Outpatients clinics
-0113 3928835
Outreach Clinics
- Please call the relevant hospital

How do you decide which projects to fund?

Our Board of Trustees meets regularly to review major requests for funding. They decide which applications to accept based on a number of criteria - including the benefit the project will have on patients and their families, and current funding levels. The Board includes clinical experts who are able to advise on the benefit of any medical equipment being sought.

Lower lever funding requests are reviewed and approved by the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

When I donate, what will my money be spent on?

Unless you tell us otherwise, any money you raise or donate will be used where it’s needed most.

This means it will go towards our core work, including our vital Family Support Service, funding equipment, resources and training for the heart unit, supporting patients and families, and helping to run the charity effectively.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

For further information, please use our Contact form, email info@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810

Who runs the Charity?

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is in charge of the day-to-day running of the charity.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the organisation’s governance – approving strategy and ensuring the charity meets its legal and Charity Commission obligations. The board of trustees meets every few months and is made up of clinical staff and experienced business people with a range of skills and interests. All trustees volunteer their time.

Gift in your will

Discuss your legacy gift

If you would like to discuss your legacy donation with CHSF, please contact the CHSF team to arrange an informal chat.

Email: info@chsf.org.uk
Phone: 0113 831 4810
Post: Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, B5 Joseph’s Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB

Do I need to tell you if I’ve left a gift to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund in my will?

That is up to you. Of course we would be delighted to hear from you - and if you do tell us, it will allow us to thank you and helps us plan for the future. To let us know about a gift, please call us on 0113 831 4810 or email us on info@chsf.org.uk. Any information you give us will be kept in strict confidence.

How will I know what to write?

We recommend you get a solicitor to help you draft your will correctly, or use our FREE will writing service with Octopus Legacy.

I am not wealthy. Is it worth me donating?

You don’t need to be rich to leave a gift to charity in your will. Leaving just a small percentage (called a residuary legacy) to us in your will goes a long way. These gifts are inflation proof and exempt from inheritance tax. People often find they can afford to be more generous in a will than in their lifetime. No matter the size or amount, your gift will make a huge difference to patients with congenital heart disease and their families.

I do not currently have a will (3-step guide)

1. Consolidate a list of everything you own
Create a list that details everything you own, including your assets and estate. It’s important at this stage to decide who you wish to be your executor.
2. Decide who you would like to include in your will
Deciding who to include in your will is a big decision and one which requires much thought. Aside from your nearest and dearest, a donation to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, no matter how big or small, is an incredible gift.
3. Get help to write your will
As a CHSF supporter you can take advantage of our FREE will writing service. Alternatively, you can find solicitors in your area who specialise in wills, probate law and tax law on the Law Society website.

Should I provide for my family first?

It is natural you would want to provide for your family - and we would encourage you to look after them first when thinking about writing your Will. Please consider remembering Children's Heart Surgery Fund once you meet the needs of your loved ones.

What is the basic information I need to include?

To make sure we receive your gift you’ll need to include our name, address and registered charity number.

Name: Children’s Heart Surgery Fund
Address: B5, Joseph’s Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB
Registered charity number: 1148359

What types of gifts can I leave?

There are three types of gift (called a “legacy”) you can leave to us:
A residuary legacy is where you donate a percentage of your estate, once family members are provided for and money owed is deducted.
A pecuniary legacy is a gift of a fixed sum of money.
A specific legacy is a gift of a particular item, such as antiques, jewellery or toys.

Have further questions?

For further information, please use our Contact form, email info@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810

CHSF
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