June 5, 2019 
Uncategorized 
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have launched an empowering campaign to celebrate National Selfie Day today (June 21).
#ScarSelfie celebrates patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have scars following surgery and other procedures.
CHSF are encouraging these patients to share intimate photos of their scars with the hashtag #ScarSelfie, to inspire, encourage and enlighten others. You can see the campaign by searching for
Children’s Heart Surgery Fundon Facebook and Instagram.
Supporters are also encouraged to donate to the charity, which supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at the Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Joey Watts is 6-years-old and from Beverley, near Hull. He has a condition called supravalvular aortic stenosis, and needed life-saving open heart surgery just 4 weeks ago to widen the vessel that carries blood from his heart to the rest of his body. His dad Martin decided to have Joey’s scar tattooed on his own chest, so his son knew the scar was something to be proud of. Joey’s mum Leanne says the family are fully behind the campaign and said:
“All of these warriors should be proud of their scars and all they achieve in life.”
“We have another little boy called Harley with the same condition who will also be having surgery in the near future.
“So to us this is an amazing thing to do to spread awareness, and maybe encourage a few more people help to fundraise for such a fantastic cause.”
Sharon Milner, CEO of CHSF, said:
”We fully understand that showing a scar picture is a very personal decision, and not for everyone. However we have run this campaign in previous years and know the positive message it brings.”
“We are blown away by the bravery and resilience of the hundreds of CHD patients who undergo open heart surgery and life-saving procedures at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit every day – like Joey.”
“This campaign is one way of celebrating the incredible stories of these heart warriors. Please do take part if you can, and support our wonderful cause by way of donations.”
Find out more about the work of CHSF and make a donation at
chsf.org.uk.
