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LATEST NEWS
Support for families: April 2026
"Thank u for remembering me. I can imagine u meet lots of families"-- heart mum, during a 'touching base' callDuring the month of April... 63 families worked with overall 25 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 38 families engaged with -- 16 young...
A calmer space in Leeds Outpatients, because of you
For children and young people living with congenital heart disease - and for their parents and carers - outpatient appointments can bring anxiety, sensory overload and lots of waiting in an unfamiliar environment. Thanks to funding from Morrisons Foundation, and...
Zephyr
In this blog, Zephyr’s parents Phil and Poppy share their family’s journey from an AVSD diagnosis at the 20‑week scan through premature birth, hospital stays and surgery, to getting Zephyr ready to head home. He also reflects on the practical support Children’s Heart...
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
Heart dad, grandad and uncle ride 150 miles inspired by Isabel
Featured in: Derbyshire Times, Worksop Guardian A Derbyshire dad saddled up for a long bike ride to the coast over the weekend to add to the thousands his family have raised for a charity which supported them when his daughter was critically ill as a baby. Hospitality...
Rose’s Library
Rose O’Leary-Hall passed away in September 2023 aged just four, following a series of surgeries and treatments for the ultra-rare congenital condition Interrupted Aortic Arch, which affects only one in 50,000 babies. Rose’s parents Sue and Katie, wanted to give...
Game4Hearts: Amy
Heart mum Amy, known online as 'Asphodel Moon', is taking on the Game4Hearts challenge this year for CHSF! Amy’s daughter is now three and had open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old. Read more about her medical journey here. In this blog, Amy tells us how CHSF helped...
CORPORATE
Dairygold “Tour De Francis” 127 mile cycle
A cycling team of Dairygold colleagues are taking on the length of the Leeds Liverpool Canal this weekend to raise funds for CHSF. Their inspiration? Heart warrior, Francis! Named the “Tour De Francis” Dairygold Cycle Ride 2024, the team will cycle the 127 miles from...
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...
EVENTS
Ultra Challenges
About Ultra ChallengesJan - Oct 2026 📍 Various locations across the UK Join the Ultra Challenge Series in 2026 and help raise funds for Children's Heart Surgery Fund! Whether you prefer a stunning coastline or trails through the magnificent countryside, the Ultra...
Flamingo Land 5K | 10K
About Flamingo Land 5K & 10KSaturday 5th September Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17, UK Take on a unique race experience at the Flamingo Land 5K & 10K, set within the exciting grounds of Flamingo Land Resort. This unforgettable event combines...
Youth Event: Boxing For Wellbeing
Join Tommy Frank for a Boxing for Wellbeing sessionWhen? Wednesday 27th May 2026 Where? Titans Boxing, 157 Morland Road, Sheffield S14 1TE [Google Maps] Time: 10:30am - 1pm Who? CHD Patients (aged 9+)Join the CHSF team for a fab morning with CHSF Ambassador, heart...
REAL STORIES
Karim
This is Karim’s story, shared by mum Kamila. Karim was born in Scunthorpe and was blue-lighted to Hull and then Leeds after a congenital heart defect was discovered. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, helping provide the care and...
Mabel
This is Mabel’s story, shared by her family after discovering complications with her heart during pregnancy. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, helping provide the care and equipment needed throughout her treatment.written by mum...
Florence Dottie: Heart Month 2026
Florence’s journey into the world of congenital heart disease began long before her family were ready for it. What followed was a difficult mix of fear, medical decisions and tiny moments of hope that carried them through.Mum Kelly, from Halifax, said: “Florence’s...
FAMILY
Family Day at the Farm
Join Katie Bear at the farm for a day of springtime funGet ready for an egg-cellent day at Cannon Hall Farm with Katie Bear and the CHSF team! Take part in lots of springtime fun including a scavenger hunt with a tasty easter egg reward, outdoor and indoor play and a...
Support for families: December 2025
During the month of December... 38 referrals received for targeted Family Support 39 families engaged with 11 young people and their families worked with and supported 337 families supported in 2025 As we look back on the year, we reflect with pride on what the Family...
Support for families: November 2025
“That was the best night sleep I had in weeks! You don’t realise it, but having those beds there when I needed it was amazing”” - heart dad - about CHSF-funded parent roomsDuring the month of November... 24 referrals received for targeted Family Support 12 families...
WHAT YOU’VE FUNDED
Support for families: January 2026
During the month of January... 46 families worked with overall 28 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 18 families engaged with -- 4 young people and their families worked with and supported 12 Travel Grants given 7 attended Cardiac Cafe 25...
Support for families: December 2025
During the month of December... 38 referrals received for targeted Family Support 39 families engaged with 11 young people and their families worked with and supported 337 families supported in 2025 As we look back on the year, we reflect with pride on what the Family...
Support for families: November 2025
“That was the best night sleep I had in weeks! You don’t realise it, but having those beds there when I needed it was amazing”” - heart dad - about CHSF-funded parent roomsDuring the month of November... 24 referrals received for targeted Family Support 12 families...
LEEDS CONGENITAL HEART UNIT
Carin van Doorn to receive OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Ms Carin van Doorn (Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon at Leeds Children’s Hospital and CHSF Charity Trustee) has been awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Carin is recognised for her enormous contribution to children’s...
Oral Health Month: The importance of dental health when your child has CHD
The oral health of children with congenital heart disease is particularly important as they are at an increased risk of developing bacterial infections such as infective endocarditis. To celebrate #OralHealthMonth, here’s some important information from experts at the...
Cardiac SALT Feedback #BecauseOfYou
Ward 51 Cardiac Speech and Language Therapist Jess Symonds was appointed last year, thanks to your donations. Speech And Language Therapy (SALT) has the power to transform feeding, swallowing and communication outcomes and improve a child’s quality of life. Jess sent...
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
Congenital Heart Audit: Measuring Progress In Outcomes Nationally (CHAMPION)
The CHAMPION study has been commissioned by the NHS to develop new ways for measuring the quality of services for congenital heart disease services for both children and adults. The purpose of the study is to try and measure what people living with CHD and their...
WE NEED YOUR HELP: Oral Health Project
My name is Jenny Owen and I work in the School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds as a dental therapist. I would like to find out how we can support families of children with long-term medical conditions to look after their child’s teeth. I would like to...
Can you help CHSF on 6th December?
Join our xmas collection! It will soon be that time again when we look for donations as Leeds gets busier with Christmas shoppers. We are looking for volunteers to come and help us out at our Christmas Collection on Friday 6th December 2019 at Leeds Train Station....
PRESS
Zane Tetevano visits children’s heart ward days after his own heart procedure
Leeds Rhinos forward Zane Tetevano paid a visit to the children’s heart ward at Leeds General Infirmary, just days after his own heart operation for congenital heart disease (CHD).Tetevano suffered a stroke in training earlier this year, which was caused by a hole in...
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...
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
SUBSCRIBE
B5, Joseph’s Well
Hanover Walk
Leeds
LS3 1AB
0113 831 4810
info@chsf.org.uk
Registered Charity Number:
1148359
Registered Company Number:
8152970