Your chance to get to know a bit more about our Community & Events Fundraiser, Lauren Procter…
“I’m Lauren and I live in Wakefield with my husband Darren, 11 year old stepson Finlay, and my five year old daughter Erin.”
“When I left high school, I went to work in the banking-sector and I worked for Barclays bank for 13 years.”
“I was then made redundant and that’s when I took the leap and got a job working for a grant-giving charity that supported sick, disabled and disadvantaged local children. I worked there for eight years and helped make a difference to the lives of thousands of local children.”
“But earlier this year, I felt ready for a change and wanted a new challenge and I joined Children’s Heart Surgery Fund in April 2022!”
“As Community and Events Fundraiser, I liaise with anyone who would like to fundraise for us. This might be an individual, a school, a local working mens club or even one of our heart patients!”
“I also plan various fundraising events such as our annual Superhero Walk and organise places for our fundraisers to take part in things; such as the Leeds 10k.”
“The thing I love most about my role is being able to deliver our Katie Bears to the children on the ward. Katie Bear is our mascot, and every child who has open heart surgery receives their very own exclusive Katie Bear, a medal and a certificate.”
“In my spare time I love crafting and DIY home projects. You’ll often find me spontaneously redecorating a room in the house. If I can make or upcycle something instead of buying it for an extortionate price then I’ll do it!”
“I’m a bit of a TV-junkie too. I love home-makeover programmes, but my guilty pleasure is a bit of cheesy reality TV such as MAFS, Jersey Shore or Celebs Go Dating.”
“Myself and my husband both work full-time; my stepson is just going up to high school and my daughter starting in Year 1. Home-life can be a bit hectic during the week, but we look forward to our weekends and often go out for walks and to the park.”
Need help with your fundraising or want to chat about how you can get involved with CHSF?
Email Lauren at lauren.procter@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
LATEST CHSF NEWS
The jobs market when you’re a ‘first generation’ middle-aged heart patient
"Funny looking pic, isn't it? The above photo is my aorta, mid-operation in 2008, as a truly wonderful team at Leeds General Infirmary battled to save my life. "Not my first heart surgery, but definitely my most dramatic and frightening."I've been involved with all...
Fundraiser of the Month: Chris Silcock
Chris took on 'The Wall Ultramarathon' on the 14th June 2025 - a 70-mile run along and around the historic Hadrian’s Wall. Chris is a family friend of heart warrior Freddie McDonald. Freddie's family are organising a fundraising ball later in the year and Chris wanted...
Autumn
Autumn was diagnosed with a heart condition before she was born and needed surgery at just four months old at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Katelyn shares what the experience was like for their family - from diagnosis and hospital stays through to...