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 Eve with Transposition of the Great Arteries, and he was immediately rushed to the LGI.
“Three weeks later, after two life-saving operations, he came home. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided accommodation, practical care, support and advice to Otis’ mum and dad, Mariella Hunt and Tim Knight, during their toughest times.
“It helped both our families to know that the couple’s needs were being recognised, while Otis was under the care of the medical team at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
“We soon reached 1 million steps so aimed for 2 million! It was great fun… and the best part was working together as two families!”
“‘Otis’ Orsome Walkers’ are a team of made up of The Hunts, with Cherrelle Wynter, and The Knights with Nicky Wallwork. We all enjoy walking to some degree, so ‘March in March’ last year seemed the best challenge we could do as a team to raise some funds for CHSF.
“We also wanted to thank the charity as soon as possible in 2023 for the awesome care given to Otis and his parents in their time of need.
“We organised ourselves through a WhatsApp group and tallied up our weekly steps. Our motto was ‘Let’s Get Otis treading!‘. We soon reached 1 million steps so aimed for 2 million!
“It was great fun to do, and possibly the best part was working together as two families to promote our walking and get donations. Family and friends were super generous!
“Otis is now doing really well, and we are all reassured to know that the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and CHSF are there for him and his parents. They do an amazing job, and we are all thrilled that we can help other families who need support through our fundraising efforts.”
Join #TeamCHSF and march 1 million steps in March!
Getting involved couldn’t be simpler – get the family together and between you walk 1,000,000 steps during the month of March, just like Otis’ Orsome Walkers!
Mum of little heart hero Charlie urges city to support ‘Wear Red Day’
Mum of little heart hero Charlie urges city to support 'Wear Red Day' and raise vital funds for Leeds congenital heart unit. The mum of a 17-week old baby who has a rare heart defect has praised the “truly amazing” care of the cardiac team at Leeds Children’s Hospital...
Companies are pledging their support for Wear Red Day
Companies are pledging their support for Wear Red Day 2022 This year, we are proud to say, marks the 10th anniversary since Wear Red Day was created in February 2012. To celebrate, several businesses have already pledged their support to make this year’s Wear Red Day...
WEAR RED FOR EVIE
Heart warrior Evie is just one of the thousands of babies, children and adults living with congenital heart disease in our region who are supported by CHSF. Evie's mummy Chelsea has kindly told us all about their family's story so far and why they'll be wearing red...



