Be the first to know about CHSF news, upcoming events, activities and how you can get involved and help support hearts for life.
LATEST NEWS
Because of Carin: Share Your Story
Share your story This is a space for patients and families to share stories and messages with Ms Carin van Doorn OBE as she prepares to retire at the end of the year. If you or your child was treated by Carin, we’d love for you to leave messages, photos and videos...
Nelly
Nelly was born in February 2024 after a 'normal' pregnancy, but within hours her parents were facing unexpected news. Now, one year after her open heart surgery she is celebrating her first “heartiversary” - Nelly is thriving, and her family have raised over £11,000...
Family Support Update: Inclusion in action
Mansi Dass joined Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as Family Inclusion Worker in late June. Here’s an update from CHSF’s Head of Family Support, Sarah Cherry on how Mansi is dedicating her time to promoting inclusion, celebrating cultures and raising awareness to bridge...
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
Fundraiser of the Month: Family & Friends of Isaac Phoenix Davison
Isaac was born in November 2022 with a heart condition called Tetralogy of fallot. Mum Leanne, tells us a bit more about her son and the fundraising family and friends have been doing in his memory since Isaac sadly passed away in April last year.Leanne said: “Isaac...
Celebrate the Olympics with CHSF
Celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics with a Children's Heart Surgery Fund fundraiser! 🇫🇷🏅 Go for gold and organise an Office Olympics at work or host a sweepstake with colleagues, family and friends!Olympics Sweepstake Cut out the events that will be featured in this...
Fundraiser of the Month: Arthur Lloyd Isle of Man Coast to Coast
Last month, heart hero Arthur (11) took on the amazing challenge of riding from Coast to Coast across the Isle of Man! 6 years ago, Arthur had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU) and so wanted to raise money for the LCHU's supporting charity,...
CORPORATE
Could your workplace support CHSF?
Did you know Children’s Heart Surgery Fund work with businesses of all sizes across the Yorkshire, The Humber, N.E Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire? We are always looking to make new business connections and you could help us! Does your workplace have a charity of...
Georgie shadows Speech & Language Therapist Jess
The Vital Role of Speech & Language in Paediatric Cardiac Care written by Georgie Abbott, Corporate Partnerships Manager Every time I shadow a member of our clinical team, without fail, they always make me proud to work for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. Today I...
Georgie shadows Lucy, Family Support Youth Worker
written by Georgie Abbott “Ready, Steady, Go, Hello” is a national programme our CHSF Family Support Worker, Lucy McMahon, has been telling me we are working towards implementing to help our young heart warriors as they navigate their cardiac care pathways. And...
EVENTS
Pat & Sue’s Skydive for CHSF
Pat & Sue work with heart dad Dan Tansey at the Co-op. After hearing Dan’s story and seeing his passion for raising funds for CHSF in 2025, they felt inspired to get involved too! Wanting to show their support, they decided to take to the skies and brave a...
London Landmarks Half Marathon
About London Landmarks Half MarathonSunday 12th April 2026 Registration fee: £45Fundraising pledge: £500 The event is not your average half marathon! From cultural landmarks and heritage to the city's quirky and hidden secrets, runners get to explore the capital on a...
Sheffield 10K
About Sheffield 10K Sunday 28th September 2025 Staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K is set right in the heart of South Yorkshire’s famous Steel City. A fantastic atmosphere is always generated by the enthusiastic local...
REAL STORIES
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...
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...
Maisy
Maisy was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, and at just 7 months old, she had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Laura has kindly shared their journey - from diagnosis, and the care Maisy received, to the support they’ve had...
FAMILY
Support for families: June 2025
"As we reach the halfway point of the year, we wanted to take a moment to share what the Family Support Team has achieved so far in 2025. "Each quarter, we reflect on our progress to help everyone understand the impact we've made. "This update gives a picture of our...
Maisy
Maisy was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, and at just 7 months old, she had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Laura has kindly shared their journey - from diagnosis, and the care Maisy received, to the support they’ve had...
Blake
Blake's mum, Chelsea, said: “My partner Matthew and I found out that Blake had something wrong with his heart when he suddenly was really poorly on 30th September 2022. “We took him to Chesterfield Hospital to be seen and Matthew and I were told he had sepsis,...
WHAT YOU’VE FUNDED
Support for families: April 2025
In April 2025, as well as the incredible day-to-day support from our Family Support team, we're shining a light on our youth support work and the care given to families staying with us long-term on the ward. Every month brings new families, challenges and stories, and...
PICU Staff Room Upgrade
Thanks to your donations, the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit staff room received a much-needed update to its décor, appliances, facilities, seating and storage. A huge thank you to Lauren Nuttall, family and friends for their significant contribution towards this...
Because of you: KardiaMobiles
KardiaMobiles are transportable and easy to use devices and are effectively personal ECG monitors, which work with smartphones. They monitor heart rhythms amongst patients who have experienced symptoms, either providing peace of mind or vital data to enable clinicians...
LEEDS CONGENITAL HEART UNIT
It’s time to get active: Toddler to Preschool
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week we are sharing these fab resources from the Yorkshire & Humber Congenital Heart Disease Network. The theme for 2024 is 'Moving more for our mental health'. Not only is movement super-important for cardiac health, but is...
It’s time to get active: Development of gross motor skills (0-12 months)
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week we are sharing these fab resources from the Yorkshire & Humber Congenital Heart Disease Network. The theme for 2024 is 'Moving more for our mental health'. Not only is movement super-important for cardiac health, but is...
Nurse Sophie is running the London Marathon!
Meet Leeds nurse Sophie Sheard. By day, she's caring for critically unwell babies, children and young people. And when she's off-duty, she's gearing up for the 2024 London Marathon, all in the name of the Children's Heart Surgery Fund!Hiya Sophie! Can you tell us a...
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers: can you donate your time?
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund are always looking for volunteers to raise awareness of congenital heart disease, fundraise or attend events across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. We simply couldn't do what we do without your help. We are often described as a charity...
PRESS
Renowned local philanthropist’s widow revives his heart legacy
Lea Ziff, the widow of legendary Leeds businessman and philanthropist Paul Ziff, is continuing her late husband’s support of the city’s congenital heart unit. To mark the third anniversary of Paul’s passing, Mrs Ziff has chosen to support Children’s Heart Surgery...
ECG Machines for Grimsby and Scunthorpe Hospitals
Two new ECG machines are set to make a life-saving difference to young patients in Grimsby and Scunthorpe, thanks to supporters of a local charity.The machines have been provided by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) - who are funded solely by public donations - and...
Life-changing Scimitar surgery, never-before performed in the UK
Leeds Children’s Hospital heart surgeons perform life-changing heart surgery for two patients in a UK first. Leeds Congenital Heart Unit heart surgeons have performed two scimitar syndrome repairs using an innovative surgical procedure, never-before performed in the...
Empowered lives, because of you.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Your generosity can really mean the world to children and adults with congenital heart disease across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Whatever you can give will make a huge difference!
DONATE
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B5, Joseph’s Well
Hanover Walk
Leeds
LS3 1AB
0113 831 4810
info@chsf.org.uk
Registered Charity Number:
1148359
Registered Company Number:
8152970