This month it was great to join the Yorkshire & Humber Congenital Cardiac Network Board meeting with doctors, nurses and cardiac teams across the region. For most of the meeting it’s an opportunity for me to listen and take in all of the work and developments across the region, but it was also great to identify how Children’s Heart Surgery Fund can support with initiatives to support good oral hygiene and communication with dentists.
We’ve also been busy planning for our Superhero Walk in September which is shaping up to be another full and busy day. Fingers crossed we get lovely weather (though we do have an inside option if not!) A huge thanks to MI & Co Portrait Studio for donating loads of ‘move grade’ superhero costumes for the day – keep your eyes peeled for more info on this soon!
I also enjoyed joining Otley Golf Club in the evening of their ‘Festival of Golf 2026’. We had such a warm welcome from the group and I really enjoy having that quality time with our supporters to be able to talk about the work we do and the difference you make. We are also looking forward to our own Charity Golf Day at Otley in September. Book on here!
We are now recruiting for a new full-time Corporate Partnerships Manager. Please do share this opportunity with your networks. We know many of the families we have supported have nominated us to their employer to take on fundraising challenges and Charity of Year partnerships – all of this support means so much to us.
Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Malenka Bissell. Malenka’s time as Trustee for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund has come to the end of her term, although we know Malenka continues to be a friend and supporter of the charity. It’s been great working with Malenka whose contributions to Board discussions have been thoughtful, inspiring, kind and challenging. Malenka – we will miss your input but look forward to working with you and your amazing team in support the work that you do hospital.
Stay safe in the warm weather,
Ruth
Ruth’s Round-Up | September 2026
August and the peak of Summer can feel a quieter time where hopefully busy family life can run at a slower pace. It’s a busy planning time for us at CHSF as we finalise our plans for Superhero Walk and get STEPtember in full swing. Thanks to everyone who has booked...
Support for families: August 2026
“I really appriciate you and your team. Your kind work helped us when we were in hospital. You showed us so much kindness”-- heart mumDuring the month of August... 41 families worked with overall 21 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 18 families...
Cardiac Cafe Scarborough | August 2026
When life gives you rain clouds, move the Cardiac Café indoors! ☀️🌧️ Our summer-special Cardiac Café in Scarborough was meant to be a beach get-together, with picnics and sandcastles. But after this week's weather forecast decided to throw a spanner in the works, we...


