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
100km for Matilda
Heart mum Danielle shares her experience of daughter Matilda’s heart condition – from diagnosis at 20 weeks to the time they spent at Leeds General Infirmary and once home. She’s now taking on a 100km Ultra Challenge to give something back to CHSF after the support...
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...


