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

Support for families: May 2026

Support for families: May 2026

"The support was amazing and the team got me through the hardest time of my life. Amazing support" -- heart mumDuring the month of May... 39 families worked with overall 23 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 8 families engaged with -- 6 young...

Ruth’s Round-up | June 2026

Ruth’s Round-up | June 2026

As we head into a busy summer for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, it’s a great moment to reflect on the incredible connections we’ve been building - and the exciting opportunities ahead. Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Somerville Heart Foundation’s...

Kalina’s Heart Day

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Because of the incredible work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and because of your support, Kalina celebrated her first heartiversary on 3rd June this year. Happy Heart Day Kalina from all of us at Children's Heart Surgery Fund!Kalina's mum Karly-Kay said: "It’s...