At CHSF, we a so grateful witness countless inspiring stories of strength and resilience from children and their families as they navigate the challenges of congenital heart conditions.
Sonny is just one of those children…
Sonny’s dad, Adam, writes:
“Our son Sonny has tricuspid atresia.
“He is now 8 and had his Fontan procedure on 19th May of this year.
“Thankfully Sonny made a very good recovery and was able to leave hospital two weeks later. He has continued recovering well.
“On the 2nd September we went to Hutfest which is a running event. Sonny entered the children’s fun run and managed to complete the 1 mile distance!
“This was a huge milestone for Sonny. Prior to his surgery, he struggled to walk up the stairs in our house without getting out of breath.
“Me and my wife, Caroline, are forever grateful to all the staff on Ward L51, especially to Miss Carin Van Doorn who carried out the procedure.
“Finally thank you to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund who helped us massively with the accommodation during the early days of surgery, plus being there on the ward regularly with gifts and entertainment.
“We just wanted to say a big thank you!”
We’re sure you’ll join us in celebrating Sonny’s extraordinary milestone, made possible by our amazing Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and the generous contributions of our CHSF supporters.
Well done, Sonny. Always keep going for gold!


Autumn
Autumn was diagnosed with a heart condition before she was born and needed surgery at just four months old at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Katelyn shares what the experience was like for their family - from diagnosis and hospital stays through to...
Support for families: July 2025
“Nice to have a chat with a friendly face offering financial and moral support” - parent on the ward During the month of July... 20 referrals received for targeted Family Support 36 families engaged With 12 young people worked with and supported Financial support in...
Heart hero inspires Welcome Break Charitable Fund donation
Young heart patient Isabel has inspired a huge donation of £7,861 from Welcome Break Charitable Fund to Leeds-based Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF). Isabel’s dad Kevin Morris works for Welcome Break as a Brand Excellence Coach, and he put CHSF’s name forwards to...