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
New CHD animation: Fontan Circulation
Thanks to your donations, we have just released a new animated video explaining the Fontan circulation and how patients with single ventricle heart defects are typically treated. This video was created in collaboration with specialists from the Leeds Congenital Heart...
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...
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...
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
Fundraiser of the Month: Jane Beadnell Virtual Everest Climb
Fab fundraiser JANE reached new fundraising heights at the end of last year when she climbed the height of Mount Everest over the month of December - completing her second fundraising challenge for CHSF!Jane told us a bit more about her challenge… “I did a running...
Jon’s year of challenges for CHSF
“I will never forget the support that the CHSF gave my family, and I am determined to give something back whenever I can." Dedicated supporter JON is tackling four challenging fundraising events this year for CHSF: the Sherwood Forest New Year 10k, Sheffield Half...
Otis’ Orsome Walkers
After heart warrior Otis received two life-saving heart surgeries at Leeds, his family and friends knew they wanted to do something to thank CHSF. 'Otis' Orsome Walkers' were formed to take on 1 million steps in March 2023... "Otis Bryher Knight was born on Christmas...
CORPORATE
Georgie returns to work
I’ve recently returned from maternity leave to my role at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, a charity I felt I was destined to work for after losing my Dad to a heart attack in 2017. When I started fundraising for the charity I thought if I could help them it would be a...
CHSF launch new sustainable clothing partnership
CHSF have formed a charity partnership with sustainable clothing brand Unfolded, who have just launched a new children’s clothing range. We’re incredibly grateful that Children’s Heart Surgery Fund will receive 25% of every purchase which will go towards supporting...
Priority Space helps move hospital playroom up the agenda
CHSF Corporate Supporters, Priority Space, have responded to an urgent request to help develop a new playroom at Leeds Children’s Hospital for children born with heart problems. The South Yorkshire company has sponsored the complete refit of a newly decorated playroom...
EVENTS
Running for a Reason: Louise
Bradford-based adult patient Louise McCormick received open heart surgery aged 7 at Killingbeck Hospital. Now 41, Louise celebrated her 40th year by completing an enviable set of running fundraisers for CHSF in 2024. She isn’t taking her foot of the pedal this year...
Manchester Half Marathon
About Manchester Half Marathon Sunday 12th October 2025 Registration fee: £60 FREE Fundraising pledge: £550 The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile challenge that takes place every October, starting and finishing by Old Trafford. It is easily the biggest half marathon in...
Alfie’s Story
17-year old Alfie’s family found out he had congenital heart disease (CHD) when he was just 2 months old. Following multiple procedures, Alfie is now enjoying life both as a teenager and keen LUFC supporter, as mum Kirsty tells us: “Alfie was only 7 weeks old when we...
REAL STORIES
Zak’s Story
We know it’s vitally important to share your journeys with congenital heart disease. Your experiences are both reassuring and educational for other heart families, and provide vital awareness for others. 3-year old Zak’s condition was found by complete coincidence,...
Alessia Mae’s Story
Alessia Mae is fast approaching her first birthday, but at birth she was sent urgently to her local hospital as she was critically low on oxygen and had open heart surgery at just a day old in Leeds.Mum Tierney tells the full story… “Alessia Mae was born on the 21st...
Finley’s Story
Finley Kenneth Peirson was born in July 2022 and was rushed straight to Scarborough’s Special Care Baby Unit with a suspected infection. Over the weeks that followed, Finley deteriorated and was put into an incubator. One of the doctors detected a heart murmur and...
FAMILY
Meet CHSF Youth Worker Lu!
Meet Lu, our incredible Family & Support Worker at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund! This 'International Youth Day', she tells us a bit more about her role at CHSF and the latest resource she's put together for our young people! “Hi! I’m Lu, the Family & Youth...
A Letter To Our VIP’s (very important parents)
Dear Very Important Parent,Over the past four years, I have witnessed you taking on so many roles as you have supported your child through hospital admissions. Not only are you ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’, but you are also a caregiver, a nurse, a comfort blanket, countless...
Self-Care: Info for patients and families #StressAwarenessMonth
What is self-care? Self-care is more than just having a hot bath. Self-care refers to the things you can do to look after yourself and reduce stress.Why is it important? There are many benefits of self-care. It can help you to cope when things are tough and can help...
WHAT YOU’VE FUNDED
Support for families: January 2025
At CHSF, we know that a hospital stay can be overwhelming, and the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) extends beyond medical treatment. That’s why our Family Support team is there to provide practical assistance, wellbeing support and moments of respite to...
Cot mobiles, mirrors and coloured paper for L51 Play Team
The Ward 51 Play Specialist team wanted to thank you for helping fund a set of cot mobiles and mirrors to help with play and stimulation amongst the youngest of patients. They also received sets of coloured paper for use in bunting, reward charts and making mobiles...
Kardia devices and reward stickers for Calderdale
Thanks to your donations, CHSF have funded a series of regional children’s congenital cardiac nurses (CCNS) in local hospitals in recent years. One such CCNS is Paula Cowgill, based at the Calderdale Royal in Halifax, who has a special thank you for CHSF...
LEEDS CONGENITAL HEART UNIT
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JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
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PRESS
Local charities fund Canadian Fellowship to support children with congenital heart defects in Leeds
An exciting opportunity for an NHS staff member at Leeds Children’s Hospital to undertake a fellowship in Canada has been made possible because of you. Leila Rittey is a Paediatric Cardiologist on the Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital; she provides...
A heartfelt goodbye to CEO Sharon Milner
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund CEO Sharon Milner is leaving the post after 16 years in charge. Sharon Milner has led Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) since 2007, fronting the campaign to save the Heart Unit from closure in 2012, and championing the charity’s...
‘We can’t thank you enough’: CHSF awards ‘exceptional’ amount of money to Leeds Congenital Heart Unit
'We can’t thank you enough': The Children's Heart Surgery Fund awards 'exceptional' amount of money to Leeds Children's Hospital's congenital heart unit. Charity chiefs at the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund have announced they have awarded an 'exceptional' amount of...
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